Forest Wagtail
NameForest Wagtail
Common NameForest Wagtail
Scientific NameDendronanthus indicus
FamilyMotacillidae
Wingspan (cm)25
Length (cm)17.5
Weight (g)19
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are olive-brown with a prominent pale supercilium and a dark eye-stripe. Underparts are white with a distinctive double black breast band, often appearing as a broad band with a narrower one below it. Wings are dark with two prominent yellow-white wing bars and tertials edged with pale yellow. The tail is long and dark with white outer tail feathers.
Vocalization / CallA sharp 'chip' or 'chick' call, often given in flight or when disturbed. Also a thin, high-pitched 'tsee-tsee' or 'swee-swee'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in eastern Asia, including parts of Siberia, Korea, Japan, and northeastern China. Winters across Southeast Asia, India, and Sri Lanka.
Identifying FeaturesDouble black breast band, Olive-brown upperparts with pale supercilium, Two prominent pale wing bars, Side-to-side tail wagging motion, Long tail with white outer feathers
Description
The Forest Wagtail is a slender, medium-sized passerine bird with distinctive plumage. Unlike other wagtails, it wags its tail from side to side rather than up and down. It is typically found foraging for insects on the forest floor or in low vegetation.
