What does the Cape Wagtail eat?

The Cape Wagtail's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Insectivore, occasionally consuming small invertebrates and human food scraps.

How it forages

Primarily an insectivore, foraging on the ground for insects and other small invertebrates. It walks or runs quickly, often stopping abruptly to pick up prey. It also catches insects in short aerial sallies. Common prey includes flies, beetles, ants, termites, grasshoppers, and small caterpillars. It will also readily take food scraps in urban environments.

When it feeds

Diurnal, active from dawn to dusk.

Explore the Cape Wagtail