Japanese wagtail
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The Japanese wagtail (Motacilla grandis) is a species of bird in the pipit and wagtail family Motacillidae. It is native to Japan and Korea.
Description
The Japanese wagtail is about 20 cm long. The sexes look similar; they have white underparts and black upperparts, throats, and backs. Their supercilia are also white. They have black beaks and dark grey legs and feet. The plumage of a juvenile is greyer than that of an adult.[1]
Taxonomy and systematics
The bird's Latin species name, grandis, means large.[1]
Conservation
The Japanese wagtail is classed as a species of least concern by the IUCN. It has a stable population.[2]
Behavior
Diet
The Japanese wagtail eats insects.[1]
Roosting
Large groups of Japanese wagtails roost together in trees.[1]
Breeding
Nests are built in cavities near water. The parents both look after the eggs and chicks. Four to six eggs are laid in each clutch.[1]
Distribution
It is native to Japan and Korea. Vagrant birds have been recorded in Taiwan, eastern China and far-eastern Russia. It lives in inland wetlands, on arable land and in urban areas.[2]
References
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