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Willy Wagtail

Rhipidura leucophrys

Description:

native to Australia, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, the Bismarck Archipelago, and eastern Indonesia. It is a common and familiar bird throughout much of its range, living in most habitats apart from thick forest. Measuring 19.0–21.5 cm (7½–8½ in) in length, the Willie Wagtail is contrastingly coloured with almost entirely black upperparts and white underparts; the male and female have similar plumage.

Habitat:

The Willie Wagtail is insectivorous and spends much time chasing prey in open habitat. Its common name is derived from its habit of wagging its tail horizontally when foraging on the ground. Aggressive and territorial, the Willie Wagtail will often harass much larger birds such as the Laughing Kookaburra and Wedge-tailed Eagle. It has responded well to human alteration of the landscape and is a common sight in urban lawns, parks, and gardens. It was widely featured in aboriginal folklore around the country as either a bringer of bad news or a stealer of secrets.

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1 Comment

ShannaB
ShannaB 12 years ago

Aw, I didn't know they had negative connotations in Aboriginal folklore! They're so cute! : )

KMills
Spotted by
KMills

QLD, Australia

Spotted on Feb 25, 2012
Submitted on Feb 25, 2012

Spotted for Mission

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