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Japanese Wagtail

Motacilla grandis

Least Concern
With its distinctive black and white plumage, this charismatic wagtail is found along Japanese streams and city parks, bobbing its long tail as it hunts for insects.
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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Japanese Wagtail is a striking bird with distinctive black and white plumage. Males have a black head with white markings on the forehead and above the eyes, plus a thin white crescent below the eye. The back, throat, and upper breast are black, contrasting with white underparts. The wings show prominent white patches, especially visible in flight.

Females have a more greyish-black upper plumage. Juvenile birds are generally duller, with grey-brown heads and less distinct markings.

Size

Length

20cm to 23cm

Wingspan

28cm to 30cm

Weight

25g to 32g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Black White

Secondary Colour

Grey

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Japanese Wagtail is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Japanese Wagtail is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Japanese Wagtail can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Japanese Wagtail is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Japanese Wagtail can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Japanese Wagtail is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Japanese Wagtail is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Japanese Wagtail is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Japanese Wagtail is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Japanese Wagtail is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Japanese Wagtail is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Japanese Wagtail is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

The Japanese Wagtail is native to East Asia, primarily found in Japan, Korea, and parts of eastern China. It inhabits areas near freshwater sources such as rivers, streams, and lake shores. These birds have also adapted well to urban environments, often seen in parks and gardens with water features.

During winter, some populations in northern Japan migrate southward, while others remain year-round residents. Because they are rarely found outside their native range, they are a sought-after species for birdwatchers visiting East Asia.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 1,500 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Japanese Wagtail. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
  • Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
  • This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

  • More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
  • How birds move around during different seasons
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year
Japan South Korea
Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range
China North Korea Russia Taiwan

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:
  • Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
  • Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
  • Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
  • Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

  • 0-20: Very Low
  • 21-40: Low
  • 41-60: Average
  • 61-80: High
  • 81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

Highly agile bird, demonstrated by its quick running movements, ability to catch insects in mid-air, and constant tail-wagging behaviour. Their swift movements along water edges and capability to make sudden stops whilst foraging show remarkable manoeuvrability.

Strength 35

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

Whilst capable of short-distance swimming and aerial displays, the Japanese Wagtail is a relatively small bird (20-23cm length, 25-32g). Their strength is proportional to their size, sufficient for their lifestyle but not particularly noteworthy among similar-sized birds.

Adaptability 82

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Shows excellent adaptability through successful colonisation of urban environments alongside natural habitats, ability to thrive in various elevations (sea level to 1500m), and flexibility in nesting locations including man-made structures. Their partial migration strategy also demonstrates good environmental adaptability.

Aggressiveness 45

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Displays moderate territorial behaviour during breeding season with males defending territories through song and aerial displays. Generally peaceful birds that are solitary or found in pairs, showing limited aggressive behaviour outside of breeding season.

Endurance 68

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Demonstrates good endurance through their active foraging style, ability to perform aerial displays, and seasonal migrations in northern populations. Their successful breeding pattern, potentially raising two broods per season, also suggests decent stamina levels.

Diet

Japanese Wagtails primarily feed on insects and other small invertebrates. They forage on the ground, along water edges, and sometimes in shallow water. Their diet includes flies, beetles, spiders, and aquatic insects.

They are also known to catch flying insects in mid-air with quick, agile movements.

Behaviour

Japanese Wagtails are known for their constant tail-wagging behaviour, which gives them their common name. They are often seen foraging on the ground, running quickly and stopping abruptly to catch insects.

These birds are generally solitary or found in pairs but may form small flocks outside the breeding season.

Vocalisation

The Japanese Wagtail has a distinctive call, often described as a sharp, metallic 'chi-chi-chi' or 'zit-zit-zit'. Their song is a series of warbling notes interspersed with these sharp calls.

During the breeding season, males sing more frequently, often from prominent perches, to defend their territory and attract mates.

Nesting & Breeding

Japanese Wagtails typically breed from April to July. They form monogamous pairs and often return to the same nesting sites year after year. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, including aerial chases and wing-fluttering.

Nests are built in crevices or holes near water, often on bridges, buildings, or rocky outcrops. The nest is a cup-shaped structure made of grass, moss, and leaves, lined with softer materials. Females lay 4-6 eggs, which are white with brown speckles.

Both parents incubate the eggs for about 12-14 days. After hatching, the chicks are fed by both parents and fledge after approximately two weeks. The pair may raise two broods in a season if conditions are favourable.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

The Japanese Wagtail is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Its population is stable, and it has adapted well to urban environments. However, like many birds, it faces threats from habitat loss and pollution, particularly in wetland areas.

Conservation efforts focus on maintaining clean water sources and preserving riparian habitats.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

Not quantified

Global Population Trend

[2]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for Japanese Wagtails near streams, rivers, and in urban parks with water features.
  • Listen for their distinctive 'chi-chi-chi' call, which can help locate them.
  • Observe their characteristic tail-wagging behaviour, which is almost constant when perched.
  • Watch for their bold black and white plumage, which stands out against most backgrounds.

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Family:

Motacillidae

Average Lifespan

5 to 8 years [3]

Predators

Main predators of Japanese Wagtails include domestic cats, birds of prey such as sparrowhawks, and larger corvids like crows and magpies. Snakes may also prey on eggs and nestlings.

Did You Know?

  1. Japanese Wagtails can swim short distances if necessary despite not being aquatic birds.
  2. They have been observed using 'anting' behaviour, rubbing ants through their feathers, possibly for pest control.
  3. In Japanese culture, wagtails are sometimes associated with good fortune and are featured in traditional folklore.

References

  1. 1 2

    website: BirdLife International. 2018. Motacilla grandis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22718360A132117451.

    View source
  2. 3

    other: Lifespan estimate based on similar Wagtails

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