White Wagtail

Scientific Name: Motacilla alba
Malay Name: Pipit-Batu Murai Erasia
Chinese Name: 白鹡鸰

Range:
Widespread breeding range from Europe to Asia, wintering range includes Africa, the Middle East, and southern Asia.

Taxonomy:
Polytypic. Subspecies are: yarrellii, alba, subpersonata, personata, baicalensis, ocularis, lugens, leucopsis, alboides.

Local Subspecies: ocularis, lugens, leucopsis, alba

Size: 16.5-18 cm

Identification:
Very variable in plumage across range and subspecies, individuals in Singapore can exhibit plumage differences in face, coverts, mantle, and chin. Plumage is a mixture of black, white, and grey compared to other migrant wagtails which generally exhibit some yellow in their plumage and are warmer in colour.

Habitat: Variety of habitats including open fields, storm drains, reservoir edges, seawalls.

Behaviour/Ecology: Similar to other wagtails, forages on ground and wags tail while moving. Can be spotted in flight with undulating flight.

Local Status: Uncommon migrant.

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2019)

Location: Yishun, Neo Tiew Harvest Lane.

Past accepted records in our database: (not a complete listing) Showing the most recent 10 records. See more on our database page

Migrant bar chart (see more bar charts):

White Wagtail at Ulu Sembawang. Photo credit: Francis Yap

White Wagtail at Bishan. Photo credit: Francis Yap

White Wagtail at Buona Vista. Photo credit: Francis Yap