White Wagtail
A slender black-and-white bird that wags its tail up and down while walking.
Overview
A slender black-and-white bird that wags its tail up and down while walking.
History & Origin
The White Wagtail occurs naturally in Eurasia / Africa. Songbirds (Passeriformes) are the largest bird order, found in virtually every habitat on Earth and making up roughly half of all living bird species — from sparrows and finches to thrushes, crows and starlings.
Appearance & Size
It is a Small (16-18cm) bird. They are typically perching birds with anisodactyl feet and a highly developed syrinx (voice box); plumage and size vary enormously across the group.
Temperament & Behavior
Songbirds are social, vocal and often kept in flocks or pairs; many are beloved cage and aviary birds valued for their song, colour and tameness.
Care & Husbandry
Most eat seeds, insects, fruit and nectar in varying proportions; softbills need fruit and insects, granivores need seeds, and all benefit from variety. Companion songbirds need a clean, adequately sized cage or aviary, species-appropriate seed or soft diet, bathing water and enrichment; canaries and finches are among the most popular.
Health & Lifespan
Common issues include air-sac mite, trichomonosis, egg-binding and nutritional disease. With good care many songbirds live 5-10 years.
Popularity & Recognition
Songbirds dominate global bird diversity and include the world's most familiar urban and aviary species; their songs are central to human culture worldwide.
