By Vincent Lam 11H

Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys)

Geographic Range of the

Willie Wagtail found
throughout Australia (but
not Tasmania), and
Papua New Guinea.

Physical Description:
The Willie Wagtail is Australias largest and most well-known type of fantail which grow from 18.5 to 21.5cm. The
Willie Wagtail is a black and white bird, which is uniquely characterized by its white throat, white eyebrows and
whisker marks. The name wagtail comes from the constant sideways wagging that their tail does. Young birds are
look nearly identical to the adults, but have whiter, slightly rusty edges to the feathers of their wings.
Habitat:
The Willie Wagtail is a native bird to Australia and New Guinea, and is found throughout both of these countries.
The only exception to this is that they are not commonly found in Tasmania and are considered vagrants if found
there (wandering bird(s)). The Willie Wagtail is found in a wide variety of habitats but avoids densely forested
areas such as rainforests, preferring to make its home in grassland with scattered trees, or manmade clearings and
grasslands.
Behaviour:
Willie Wagtails are agile creatures which are usually seen alone or in pairs; the only exception to this being in
winter when it may join a flock. Willie Wagtails are highly territorial and are quite fearless in defending their
territory. It will be willing to not only take on small birds, but much larger species such as the Australian Magpie
and Raven. Willie Wagtails are also constantly on the move, and are always flicking their tail from side to side,
giving them the name wagtail.
Diet:
Carnivorous Hunting small prey such as insects.
Reproduction:
The Willie Wagtail takes great care in building a nest. Their nests are usually a neatly woven cup of grasses that is
covered with spider webs on the outside, and lined internally with soft materials such as grass or fur. The lining of
the nest is often taken directly from an animal. This nest is reused, or recycled for the creation of a new nest in the
future. Willie Wagtails usually pair for life, and breed during sometime in July to December. During this five month

By Vincent Lam 11H

period, up to four broods of chicks may be raised by a single pair of Wagtails. The eggs are incubated, and hatch
after around 14 days. After feeding their chicks for two weeks, the chicks will be forced to become independent
and forage for themselves, being driven out of the territory by their parents.
Niche:
The Willie Wagtail is a bird that is known for its call which makes it sound like a sweet-pretty-creature, although it
does occasionally make other noises which are harsher sounding.
References:
Willie Wagtail. Fauna. < http://www.fauna.com.au/web_pages/animals/birds/willie_wagtail.html>
Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys). Birdlife. < http://www.birdlife.org.au/bird-profile/willie-wagtail>