SBSG - Photographs and Info

Birds and Habitats in the SBSG area.
Photographs and Information.

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White Wagtail

White Wagtail, of the continental nominate race Motacilla alba alba, are occasionally seen in small numbers at times of passage, especially in spring. The main features of adult White Wagtail are the plain grey mantle and the white face and head on which the black of the hood and throat [usually] do not meet at the 'shoulders'. Most importantly though, the rump should always be grey, not black as in Pied Wagtail. White Wagtails do occur during autumn passage but reports are often confused by the presence of juvenile Pied Wagtails Motacilla alba yarrellii, from which alba are more difficult to distinguish. Unfortunately the latter feature cannot be seen on the above photograph of a [probably female] White Wagtail taken by Mark Reeder at Tinsley Park on 2nd April 2001. However, for illustration, the juvenile Pied Wagtail repeated below, clearly shows a black rump [taken by John Rochester on the River Derwent at Chatsworth on 8th June 2000]. Last updated 8th April 2001.