| White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) |
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Motacilla alba breeds in Eurasia, North Africa (Morocco) and coastal Alaska. It is resident in Western Europe, including the Mediterranean, but is migratory elsewhere wintering in Africa, the Middle East, and tropical Asia. White Wagtail inhabits a wide range of open habitats, usually near water, and often near habitation, including urban areas. The species encompasses 9-11 subspecies, which differ in the colour of the wings, back, and head. M. a. alba is shown on this page.
The breeding season is April to August. Nest is a cup of twigs, grass, leaves and other plant materials, and often lined with animal hair; it is placed in a crevice or a hole, e.g., in a river bank, wall, bridge or building. Clutch 3-8 eggs (usually 4-6). Incubation 12-15 days; the chicks fledge at around 14 days. This species often raises two broods a year. Motacilla alba feeds on terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, and, occasionally, small fish fry.
