Japanese wagtail

Species of bird From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Japanese wagtail (Motacilla grandis) is a species of bird in the pipit and wagtail family Motacillidae. It is native to Japan and Korea.

Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Passeriformes
Family:Motacillidae
Quick facts Conservation status, Scientific classification ...
Japanese wagtail
In Japan
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Motacillidae
Genus: Motacilla
Species:
M. grandis
Binomial name
Motacilla grandis
Sharpe, 1885
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Description

The Japanese wagtail is about 20 cm long. The sexes look similar; they have white underparts and black upperparts, throats, and backs. Their supercilia are also white. They have black beaks and dark grey legs and feet. The plumage of a juvenile is greyer than that of an adult.[2]

Taxonomy and systematics

The bird's Latin species name, grandis, means large.[2]

Conservation

The Japanese wagtail is classed as a species of least concern by the IUCN. It has a stable population.[1]

Behavior

Diet

The Japanese wagtail eats insects.[2]

Roosting

Large groups of Japanese wagtails roost together in trees.[2]

Breeding

Nests are built in cavities near water. The parents both look after the eggs and chicks. Four to six eggs are laid in each clutch.[2]

Distribution

It is native to Japan and Korea. Vagrant birds have been recorded in Taiwan, eastern China and far-eastern Russia. It lives in inland wetlands, on arable land and in urban areas.[1]

References

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