African Pied Wagtail

Afrikaans name: Bontkwikkie

The African Pied Wagtail is normally found near water

Photo © Steven Herbert

Motacilla aguimp

The African Pied Wagtail is an attractive black and white bird. It is far more boldly marked than the Long-tailed and Cape Wagtails.

They are frequently found near water, particularly flowing water like rivers, although they may sometimes be seen a bit away from water. They are not shy and may also be seen at man-made habitats like golf courses, parks and gardens.

Wagtails are related to pipits and longclaws. The African Pied Wagtail is a bit bigger than the more common Cape Wagtail, and it has a longer tail.

Photo © Steven Herbert

The main food of this bird is insects. As they are associated with water it is not surprising that they also catch small aquatic creatures such as tadpoles and tiny fish.

References and further reading

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 142

The Coastal Guide of South Africa - Author: Jacana Media - Published: 2007 - Page: 100

Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 146

The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 290

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 90

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 380

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 621

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 620

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 350

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 488

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 475

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 294

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southe - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Published: 1991 - Page: 412

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 294

Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 270

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Published: 1991 - Page: 182

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 76

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 222

Birds of the Transkei - Author: C.D. Quickelberge - Published: 1989 - Page: 105

Birds of the Natal Drakensberg Park - Author: Robin Little and William Bainbridge - Published: 1992 - Page: 93

Birds of the South Western Cape - Author: Joy Frandsen - Published: 0 - Page: 193

Birds of Southern Africa - Kruger National Park - Author: Kenneth Newman - Published: 1985 - Page: 154

Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 239

Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Published: 1987 - Page: 102

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 79

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 79

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 260

---

Top

List of South African Birds