White-browed Wagtail look-alikes
Motacilla maderaspatensis
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the White-browed Wagtail. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba yarrellii)
Motacilla alba yarrellii
Key differences
The Pied Wagtail (a subspecies of White Wagtail) is smaller and has a grey back (not black). Its white supercilium is less prominent, and the black bib is typically smaller, not extending as far down the breast. The White-browed Wagtail is distinctly larger and has a solid black back.
White Wagtail (Motacilla alba)
Motacilla alba
Key differences
The nominate White Wagtail and its various subspecies (other than Pied Wagtail) are generally smaller than the White-browed Wagtail and have grey backs, not black. The extent of black on the head and breast varies among subspecies but never matches the extensive black of M. maderaspatensis.
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