grey and white body; large black "V" on breast (South Africa; 2007-06-30)


Cape Wagtail
Motacilla capensis

Native Range: Africa

Notes: like all wagtail species, a long-tailed bird that typically bobs its tail as it walks (not hops) on the ground in search of insects and other food; this greyish species inhabits open grasslands, usually near water.

dorsal view; grey upperparts (South Africa; 2007-06-30)
white throat; long tail with white outer feathers (South Africa; 2007-06-30)

always walks rather than hops (South Africa; 2007-06-30)
posing for a portrait (South Africa; 2007-06-30)