Cape Wagtail
Motacilla capensis
Aves › Passeriformes › Motacillidae › Motacilla
Conservation status: least_concern
The Cape wagtail, also known as Wells's wagtail, is a small insectivorous bird which is widespread in southern Africa. It frequents water's edge, lawns and gardens. It is a mostly resident, territorial species, but has been known to undertake limited altitudinal migration or form flocks outside of the breeding season. Like other wagtails they are passerine birds of the family Motacillidae, which also includes the pipits and longclaws.
How To Identify
This medium-sized bird displays overall greyish-brown plumage and has a slender, agile build. The most distinguishing feature is its tail, which is constantly flicked or held low during locomotion.
Habitat
It typically inhabits areas near freshwater sources such as streams, rivers, wetlands, and lake margins in open and semi-open landscapes across sub-Saharan Africa.
Behaviour
This species forages by walking along water edges and rocky substrates, frequently bobbing its tail while searching for aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates.
Did You Know?
Cape Wagtails are known for their distinctive tail-bobbing behaviour and can often be seen walking along the edges of water bodies, where they hunt for small insects with remarkable precision.
Create a free account to log your sightings of the Cape Wagtail, see where it has been recorded near you and build your Wild List.
Privacy · Terms · Impressum · Credits · About the beta