Mountain Wagtail
NameMountain Wagtail
Common NameMountain Wagtail
Scientific NameMotacilla clara
FamilyMotacillidae
Wingspan (cm)26
Length (cm)19
Weight (g)21
Plumage DetailsAdults have a grey crown, nape, and back, with a prominent white supercilium and a black eye-stripe. The throat and underparts are white, featuring a distinct black crescent-shaped breast band. Wings are black with two clear white wing-bars, and the long tail is black with white outer tail feathers.
Vocalization / CallIts call is typically a high-pitched, thin 'tseep' or 'tswee', often given in flight. The song is a series of clear, melodious notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across sub-Saharan Africa, primarily in highland areas, from Sierra Leone east to Ethiopia and south to South Africa, typically along mountain streams and rivers.
Identifying FeaturesGrey head and back, White underparts with black breast band, Prominent white supercilium, Long, constantly wagging tail, Black wings with white wing-bars, Prefers fast-flowing mountain streams
Description
The Mountain Wagtail is a slender, medium-sized passerine bird characterized by its grey upperparts, white underparts, and a distinctive black breast band. It is known for its constant tail-wagging behavior, especially when foraging along fast-flowing mountain streams.
