White-browed Wagtail

About

The White-browed Wagtail, also known as the Large Pied Wagtail, is a distinctive passerine bird endemic to the Indian subcontinent. It is characterized by its striking black and white plumage and its characteristic tail-wagging behavior. It is typically found near water bodies in open country and human habitations.

Size & lifespan

Length

20.5-22 cm

Wingspan

28-30 cm

Weight

25-35 g

Lifespan

3-5 years in the wild (estimated)

Diet

Insectivore

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Adults are predominantly black and white. The crown, nape, back, and upper tail coverts are glossy black. The wings are black with prominent white wing bars formed by white edges to the greater and median coverts. The tail is long and black with white outer tail feathers. The underparts are entirely white, contrasting sharply with the black upperparts. A broad white supercilium (eyebrow) extends from above the eye to the nape, and there is a distinct white patch on the side of the neck below the eye. The throat and upper breast are black, forming a bib.

Beak shape

Slender, pointed, and black.

Eye color

Dark brown

Leg color

Blackish-grey

Distinguishing features

The large size compared to other wagtails, the prominent white supercilium, and the entirely black upperparts (except for white wing markings) are key features. The constant tail-wagging motion is also highly characteristic.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles are duller and browner overall. The black areas are replaced by sooty brown or greyish-brown. The white supercilium is less distinct, and the white underparts may be tinged with buff or grey. The black bib is often mottled or incomplete. They gradually acquire adult plumage over their first year.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. The plumage remains consistent throughout the year.

Sexual dimorphism

Males and females are generally similar in plumage. Females may have a slightly duller black, sometimes with a brownish tinge, especially on the back, and the white markings might be slightly less extensive or pure. However, these differences are subtle and often difficult to discern in the field.

How to identify

1. 1

   Size and Plumage

   Look for a relatively large wagtail (20-22 cm) with a striking black and white pattern. The entire upperparts (crown, back, rump) are glossy black, contrasting with pure white underparts. This extensive black on the back immediately distinguishes it from other wagtails in its range.

2. 2

   Head Pattern

   Note the prominent, broad white supercilium (eyebrow) that extends well behind the eye, and a distinct white patch on the side of the neck below the eye. The throat and upper breast form a solid black bib.

3. 3

   Tail Wagging

   Observe its characteristic behavior of constantly wagging its long tail up and down, a trait common to all wagtails but particularly noticeable in this species due to its size and contrasting tail feathers.

4. 4

   Habitat

   Search near water bodies – rivers, ponds, canals, and even urban puddles. They are often seen foraging on the ground or perching on low structures near water.

5. 5

   Vocalization

   Listen for its sharp, metallic 'chick-chick' or 'chissick' call, or its more melodious and varied song, which can help confirm identification.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Freshwater wetlands, agricultural lands, urban and suburban areas, open country.

Geographic range

Indian subcontinent, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.

Elevation range

Primarily lowlands, up to approximately 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) in some hilly regions.

Preferred environments

Found near various water bodies such as rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, irrigation canals, and even puddles. They are also common in cultivated fields, gardens, parks, and around human settlements, often perching on rooftops or wires.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, most active during the day, especially in the morning and late afternoon.

Feeding habits

Primarily insectivorous, foraging on the ground or near water. They actively walk and run, often making short dashes to catch insects. They also catch insects in flight with short aerial sallies. Their diet includes flies, beetles, ants, grasshoppers, and other small invertebrates. They frequently feed along the edges of water bodies, picking insects from the surface or vegetation.

Social behavior

Typically seen singly or in pairs. Outside the breeding season, they may form small loose flocks, especially at communal roosts. They are generally quite tame and accustomed to human presence.

Flight pattern

Undulating flight pattern, typical of wagtails, with rapid wing beats followed by a short glide. They often fly low over the ground or water.

Migration pattern

Resident throughout its range, undertaking only local movements in response to food availability or weather conditions. Not a migratory species.

Territoriality

Pairs are territorial during the breeding season, defending their nesting and foraging areas. They can be quite vocal in defending their territory.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Primarily March to October, with peak activity during the monsoon season (June-September).

Nesting habits

Nests are typically cup-shaped, made of grass, roots, moss, and hair, lined with softer materials like feathers. They are often placed in crevices or holes in banks, walls, bridges, culverts, or under eaves of buildings. They show a preference for sites near water.

Clutch size

3-6 eggs, usually 4-5.

Egg description

3-6 eggs, typically pale creamy-white or buff, often speckled or mottled with reddish-brown or grey, particularly at the broader end.

Incubation period

Approximately 12-14 days.

Fledging period

Chicks fledge (leave the nest) around 14-16 days after hatching.

Parental care

Both parents participate in nest building, incubation, and feeding of the young. They are diligent in bringing food to the nestlings.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Look near water. Always prioritize searching near any freshwater source, as they are highly dependent on these habitats for foraging.
2. Observe tail movement. Their constant tail-wagging is a strong indicator. Look for a bird walking or running on the ground with this distinctive motion.
3. Listen for calls. Their sharp, metallic calls are quite distinctive and can often lead you to the bird before you see it.
4. Check prominent perches. They often perch on rocks, low branches, fences, or even rooftops, especially when singing or surveying their territory.

Similar species

Quick facts

Endemic to:

Indian Subcontinent

Distinguishing Feature:

Large size, black back, prominent white supercilium

Behavior:

Constant tail-wagging

Diet:

Insects

Habitat Preference:

Near water bodies

Fun facts

• The White-browed Wagtail is the largest species of wagtail found in India.
• Its scientific name 'maderaspatensis' refers to Madras (now Chennai), where the species was first described.
• Despite its striking appearance, it is often quite approachable and tolerant of human presence, making it a common sight in populated areas.
• The tail-wagging behavior, characteristic of all wagtails, is thought to help flush out insects or signal to other birds.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Motacillidae

Genus

Motacilla

Species

Motacilla maderaspatensis

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