Rhipidura leucophrys
The Willie Wagtail is a striking small bird with bold black and white plumage. Its upperparts, including the head, throat, and breast, are jet black, contrasting sharply with its white eyebrows, belly, and outer tail feathers.
Both sexes look alike, with a slender black bill and legs. Juveniles are similar to adults but have a brownish tinge to their black feathers and may show some buff edging on their wing coverts.
Length
19cm to 21.5cm
Wingspan
25cm to 30cm
Weight
17g to 24g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black White
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Willie Wagtails are found across most of Australia, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and parts of Indonesia. They inhabit a wide range of open habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and urban areas.
In Australia, they are common in both rural and urban settings, often seen in parks, gardens, and along watercourses. Their adaptability has allowed them to thrive in human-modified landscapes.
Sea level to 2,800 meters
Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Willie Wagtail. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
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