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.

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References and further reading

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 412

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Year Published: 1949 - Page: 290

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

List of South African Birds