Madagascar Wagtail
A species of Wagtails Scientific name : Motacilla flaviventris Genus : Wagtails
Madagascar Wagtail, A species of Wagtails
Botanical name: Motacilla flaviventris
Genus: Wagtails
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Francesco Veronesi , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The Madagascan wagtail is a large, elegant and slender wagtail which has grey upperparts, a white breast and a yellow belly. There is a black band across the breast and the long tail has a dark centre and white outer tail feathers. There is short white supercilium. Juveniles have a less conspicuous breast band and a fainter supercilium. The body length is 19 cm (7.5 in).
Size
19 cm
Nest Placement
Ground
Feeding Habits
Madagascar Wagtail primarily consumes small invertebrates like insects and spiders, often foraging on the ground or catching prey midair. Caterpillars, moths, and occasionally lizards supplement the diet, especially for nestlings.
Habitat
Madagascar Wagtail dwells in diverse environments, primarily favoring open areas near water bodies like rivers, lakes, and seashores, encompassing both natural and human-altered wetlands. Terrestrial habitats such as woodland clearings and cultivated fields are also common. Their adaptability extends to urban areas and altitudinal ranges from sea level up to 2600 meters, demonstrating a wide ecological tolerance.
Dite type
Insectivorous
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Distribution Area
The Madagascan wagtail is endemic to Madagascar where it is found throughout the island. It is common and widespread and most common in the east of the island and on the central plateau; it is less numerous in the north and west, and rare in the south.
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Photo By Francesco Veronesi , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Wagtails Genus
Wagtails Species
Madagascar Wagtail