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.
Photos:
External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
eBird Species page: eBird (White Wagtail)
References:
BirdLife International. (2019). Motacilla alba. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T22718348A137417893.en. Accessed on 19 December 2021