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Nature conservation > Wildlife > Native animals > Nocturnal animals > Birds

Willy wagtail

Rhipidura leucophrys

Most of us have seen willy wagtails hopping about in the daytime, wagging their tail from side to side. But did you know these chirpy birds will also serenade the moon?

Small and mostly black, willy wagtails have a white belly and eyebrow. They wag their fan-like tail as they hop about feeding on insects. Wagtails are a common sight in parks, gardens and farms around Australia.

Wagtails can be aggressive, especially when they feel their territory is under threat. Excitable little birds, they will defend their patch from much larger animals, even cows!

Listen on moonlit nights for a bird singing 'sweet pretty creature'. This is the wagtail's call.

Last updated: 25 August 2006

Willy wagtail
Willy wagtail
hear me!
(151k ~ 1min 15sec
download @ 28.8)