Wagtail

Wagtail

The wagtail is so named for the constant up and down motion of its long tail. It is suggested that this wagging motion acts as a balance mechanism. This small bird, reaching lengths between 6 and 7 inches, has a sharp bill for eating insects. There are approximately 8 different species of wagtail, including this Pied Wagtail, with variation in the colour of their plumage. Wagtails are found in the eastern hemisphere except Australia. [BM] {FW}