White-browed Wagtail

Motacilla maderaspatensis

大斑鹡鸰

IUCN: Least Concern Found in China

Introduction

Motacilla maderaspatensis is a medium-sized passerine bird and the largest member of the wagtail family (Motacillidae). It is endemic to the Indian subcontinent, found south of the Himalayas, east of the Indus system and west of Bangladesh. The species inhabits open freshwater wetland habitats and is one of the few Motacilla wagtails that has adapted well to urban environments, often nesting on rooftops and perching on overhead water storages in residential buildings. It is characterized by its conspicuously patterned plumage with black upperparts and white underparts, a prominent white supercilium and large white wingbar. The specific epithet derives from Madras (now Chennai).

Description

The largest wagtail species at 21 cm (8.3 in) length. A slender bird with the characteristic long, constantly wagging tail of its genus. Upperparts, head and breast are black, with a distinctive white supercilium and large white wingbar. Unlike related species, it never has white on the forehead. Underparts are entirely white. Sexual dimorphism is present: females have less intense black coloring than males. Juveniles resemble females but have brown-grey coloration where adults are black.

Identification

Largest wagtail species at 21 cm. Distinguished from white wagtail by absence of white on forehead and larger size. The black upperparts with white supercilium and wingbar are diagnostic. Underparts are pure white with no gray. Females show less intense black coloring than males. Juveniles are brown-grey where adults are black. Long, constantly wagging tail is characteristic of the genus.

Distribution & Habitat

Resident breeder endemic to the Indian subcontinent. Found south of the Himalayas, east of the Indus system and west of Bangladesh. In most of India occurs below 1000m elevation, but in southern India extends into hills up to 2200m. Rare in higher altitude regions but has been recorded in Ladakh on the edge of the Tibetan plateau. Very rare in the Indus valley and absent from the Sind region of Pakistan. Inhabits open freshwater wetland habitats and has adapted well to urban areas. A rare winter visitor to Sri Lanka, with possible range expansion in recent times.

Behavior & Ecology

Usually seen in pairs or small groups near open water. Active and frequently calling, especially in mornings. Perches on ground, wires or buildings. Song is long and loud with many different notes; usual call is a wheezy 'wheech'. Flight is bounding (dipping and rising) pattern, capable of sustained flight at about 40 km/h. Breeding season is March to October; in southern India begins when river levels drop and continues until monsoon rains. Male courtship display involves aerial flight with single wing beat, singing, gliding with dangling legs and raised tail. Cup-shaped nest placed on ground, rocks, ledges, mud banks or artificial structures including bridges and rooftops, always near water. Clutch size normally 4 eggs, range 3-5. Insectivorous diet includes orthopterans, caterpillars, spiders, staphylinid beetles and pentatomid bugs.

Culture

In older times in India, the species was sometimes kept as a cage bird and acclaimed for its singing ability. The native name 'khanjan' is used in the phrase 'khanjan-eyed' to describe someone with beautiful eyes. The khanjan was considered sacred and a good omen in India as it supposedly bore an impression of Vishnu's shaligram on its breast. Various beliefs about future predictions based on the bird's behavior were documented by Saratchandra Mitra. Another local name for wagtails in India is 'dhobin' (washerwoman).

Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0