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White Wagtail
Motacilla alba
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About the White Wagtail
The white wagtail (Motacilla alba) is a small passerine bird in the family Motacillidae, which also includes pipits and longclaws. The species breeds in the Palearctic zone in most of Europe and Asia and parts of North Africa; it also has a toehold in western Alaska as a scarce breeder. It is resident in the mildest parts of its range, but otherwise migrates to Africa. In total, there are between 9 and 11 subspecies of M. alba; in Ireland and Great Britain, the black-backed subspecies known as the pied wagtail (M. a. yarrellii) predominates. The white wagtail is an insectivorous bird of open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding, where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas, it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as car parks.
Source: Wikipedia
Classification
- Scientific name
- Motacilla alba
- Family
- Wagtails and Pipits
- Order
- Passeriformes
Similar species
Other members of the wagtails and pipits family recorded in North America — a useful place to start if you are not certain of your identification.
- American Pipit Anthus rubescens
- Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola
- Eastern Yellow Wagtail Motacilla tschutschensis
- Gray Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
- Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni
- Pechora Pipit Anthus gustavi
- Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus
- Siberian Pipit Anthus japonicus
- Sprague's Pipit Anthus spragueii
- Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis
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