White Wagtail - description, habitat, interesting facts

A small slender bird with a long tail often jumps on the asphalt or side of the road in search of midges and other food. Stopping, she ridiculously twitches her tail, balancing them like a tightrope walker. This is a white wagtail. The name is apt and speaks for itself, since the tail of the bird is constantly in motion. A wagtail lives next to a person, but it only reveals its secrets to a very attentive and patient observer.

The first herald of spring

As soon as the first thaws begin, a playful little bird appears on the racks. She fussily runs, catching rare midges, the swaying tail causes a smile and uplifting. It is called an ice break for the fact that its arrival often coincides with the opening of ice on reservoirs. The species of predator is widespread in all countries except permafrost regions.

The bird's outfit is not very catchy, but rather memorable.The feathers on the head and abdomen are white, on the top there is a black speck in the form of a cap, and on the breast is a black “tie”. On the wings and tail, gray and white feathers alternate, forming thin stripes. Males are brighter, with females the color is slightly more restrained. Body length is about 20 cm, half falls on the tail. The thin beak immediately gives out an insectivorous bird. The graceful legs are adapted not only for jumping, but also for the important walking step, accompanied by polite nods of the head.

Courting, nesting and raising offspring

When the pair has developed, the construction of the nest begins. The main work will be performed by a female, the partner supplies her with a building material.The nest is shaped like a cup, lined with down, moss or wool. Birds pick up a secluded spot in the bushes, shallow crevices or hollows for its construction. A small hole will do. It takes 1 - 2 weeks to build, after which the nest sometimes waits several days for its tenants.

During the season, wagtails have time to breed twice. The first brood falls in spring, the second - in the middle of July. In the nest there are usually 5 - 6 gray or blue speckled eggs. After 2 weeks the chicks hatch. Both parents are equally involved in feeding. The white wagtail eats insects. In its menu:

• flies;
• larvae;
• butterflies;
• caterpillars;
• beetles;
• coastal invertebrates;
• dragonflies;
• mosquitoes.

Nestlings grow quickly on protein feed and after 3 weeks fly out of the nest to leave it forever. The lifespan of an adult individual reaches 10 years. Given that chicks hatch twice a year, it is not surprising that the wagtail has become one of the most common birds, along with a sparrow and a pigeon.

Lifestyle

Bird refers to migratory. In early November, flocks are sent to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.In the middle lane, they can simply migrate a little south of the nesting sites in search of food. Birds living in the city do not bother to fly, calmly waiting for the winter around human habitation.

The favorite habitats of the wagtail are the shores of reservoirs, parks, gardens, forest belts. The bird feeds in different ways.

1. He runs along the ground, carefully inspecting each piece and pebble, pecking the larvae and caterpillars out from under them.
2. It stands near the shore, intently watching the flight of insects. A beetle, a fly or a butterfly falling on the surface of the water is considered to be its legitimate prey.
3. It is able to hover in the air, quickly working with its wings and catching insects in flight.

City birds solve the problem of food in a similar way by adding to them the seeds and grains scattered in bird feeders. Inhabitants of streets and squares most often choose hangars, railway bridges, storage rooms, and attics of houses for living.

Interesting Facts

1. Parents feed chicks every half - hour.
2. If a young individual flew out early from the nest, then the mother and father must feed it before gaining independence.
3. Males are able to unite to repel a hawk or other predator.
4. The bird can have a wonderful meal while sitting on the back of a cow or horse and eating insects from it.
5. 2011 passed under the sign of the wagtail.
6. The bird is almost impossible to catch in a state of rest.
7. She is easily tamed.

White Wagtail brings great benefits by destroying insect pests in gardens, gardens and parks. Due to its mobility, it easily overtakes prey on the ground, water and in the air, significantly thinning the rows of mosquitoes, flies and caterpillars. The bird is so popular that in each locality gets its name. Wagtails have become a familiar part of the surrounding nature, decorating every day with their activity, a simple song and a swaying tail.

Video: White Wagtail (Motacilla alba)