White Wagtail

Overview

White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) is a species of Wagtails, Pipits (Motacillidae) in the order Perching Birds (Passerines). A slender black-and-white bird that wags its long tail constantly; runs nimbly over lawns, roads and shorelines catching insects; nests in crevices in walls and bridges; familiar across Eurasia.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Motacilla; binomial: Motacilla alba; authority: Linnaeus, 1758. Typical size: 17-19cm. Average lifespan: 3-7 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: the Palearctic. Non-breeding range: OR, AF.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

Subspecies follow Alström & Mild (2003).