white wagtail
Quick Summary
The white wagtail, scientifically known as Motacilla alba, is a species of bird belonging to the genus Motacilla. These birds are characterized by their striking patterns and are commonly found near beaches, meadows, and streamsides. They are named for their distinctive habit of incessantly wagging their long tails up and down.1
In Eurasia, the male white wagtail typically displays a coloration of white and gray, or white and black. The variety found in Britain is specifically referred to as the pied wagtail. The yellow wagtail (M. flava) is the only species in this genus that reaches the New World, breeding in Alaska and migrating to Asia. Wagtails usually build their nests on the ground but roost in trees.1
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