The white-browed wagtail (Motacilla maderaspatensis), the largest species in the wagtail family, is native to the Indian subcontinent and is characterized by its distinctive white brow, black upperparts, and white underside.
The white-browed wagtail, also known as the large pied wagtail (Motacilla maderaspatensis), is the largest bird in the wagtail family. They have a noticeable white brow, shoulder stripe, outer tail feathers, and a black top and white underside pattern. White-browed wagtails, native to the Indian subcontinent, frequently inhabit areas near small bodies of water. They have adapted to city life and often build their nests on rooftops.
Vocal Alert Making sound, while the other watches intently.
With a length of 21 cm (8.3 in), the white-browed wagtail is the largest wagtail species. It features a wide white wingbar, a white supercilium, and black upperparts, including the head and breast. It never has white on the forehead like white wagtails do. The remaining undersides are white. Compared to the male, the female’s black is less vivid.
Focused Moment Perched on rock, the wagtail remains alert.
While adults are black, juveniles resemble brown-grey females. March to October is when the breeding season occurs. The nesting season in southern India starts when river levels fall and lasts until the monsoon rains. During courting, the male glides with puffed feathers and dangling legs, sings, then leaps into the air with one wing beat.
Graceful Focus With quiet focus, it scans the surroundings.
The male first settles with wings held high, tail raised, and quivering as he circles the female. In response, she crouches and shivers her wings, possibly begging for food. Additionally, it builds a cup-shaped nest near water, on the ground, rocks, ledges, holes, or mud banks.
Nature’s Watch The wagtail stands still, alert to everything.
Observers have seen them build nests in frequently used ferries. They build a tidy cup-shaped nest lined with hair, using grass, roots, algae, and other materials. The typical clutch consists of three to five eggs, and typically there are four.
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