Skip to main content

Willie Wagtail

Rhipidura leucophrys leucophrys

Photo by Neil Ross
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

-27.4982, 153.016

Field Notes

Description:

The Willie Wagtail is the largest and most well-known of the Australian fantails. The plumage is black above with a white belly, and it can be distinguished from other similar-sized black and white birds by its black throat and white eyebrows and whisker marks. The name "wagtail" stems from the constant sideways wagging of the tail. Aggressive and territorial, they will often harass much larger birds such as kookaburras, crows, and eagles. I love these birds and they always make me smile, and the eyebrows do it for me - they look so sinister! A good Youtube video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN8MF8daTWg

Habitat:

This little fellow was spotted by the freshwater lakes on the University of Queensland Campus in Brisbane.

Notes:

Willie Wagtails are almost always on the move and rarely still for more than a few moments during daylight hours, and it's because of this I've found them to be a challenge to photograph; my little camera is just too slow.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (0)

Be the first to comment

Sign in to comment

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Image
Butterflies icon

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon