Forest Wagtail

Overview

The forest wagtail (Dendronanthus indicus) is a medium-sized passerine bird in the family Motacillidae, distinguished as the only wagtail species that nests in trees. It breeds in the temperate parts of east Asia and winters across tropical Asia, ranging from India to Indonesia.

Identification

• Size and Shape: An 18 cm slender bird with a long tail.
• Plumage: Olive brown back and crown with black wings featuring two yellow wing bars and white tertial edges; white underparts marked by a black double breast band.
• Markings: A white supercilium above a dark eye stripe; juvenile birds are more yellowish on the underside.
• Vocalisation: A single-note call described as 'pink pink' and a soft, lilting song.

Habitat

Primarily found in forested habitats, usually in open areas of woodland such as clearings. In winter, it inhabits well-shaded forests, paths in coffee plantations, and clearings.

Diet

This insectivorous bird often forages in trees, capturing insects along branches, but may also forage on the ground like a pipit. When disturbed, it flies up into the trees.

Did you know?

Unlike other wagtails that move their tails up and down, this species wags its tail sideways, a habit reflected in the Japanese name 'sideways-swinging wagtail'. In Sri Lanka, where they often search for maggots in cattle dung, they are known as 'dung-spreader'.