Japanese wagtail

The Japanese wagtail (Motacilla grandis) is a species of bird in the pipit and wagtail family Motacillidae. It is native to Japan and Korea.

Japanese wagtail
In Japan
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Motacillidae
Genus: Motacilla
Species:
M. grandis
Binomial name
Motacilla grandis
Sharpe, 1885

Description

The Japanese Wagtail is about 20cm long. Both sexes look similar; they have white underparts and black upperparts, throats and backs. Their supercilium is also white. They have a black beak and dark grey legs and feet. The plumage of a juvenile is more grey than that of an adult. [2]

Taxonomy and systematics

The bird's Latin species name, grandis, means large.[2]

Conservation

The Japanese wagtail is classed as of least concern by the IUCN. It has a stable population.[1]

Behavior

Diet

The Japanese wagtail eats insects.[2]

Roosting

Large groups of Japanese wagtails roost together in trees.[2]

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.[2]

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.[1]

References
  1. BirdLife International (2012). "Motacilla grandis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2013.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  2. https://birdsoftheworld.info/japanese-wagtail/
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