| Japanese wagtail | |
|---|---|
| |
| In Japan | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Motacillidae |
| Genus: | Motacilla |
| Species: | M. grandis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Motacilla grandis Sharpe, 1885
| |
The Japanese wagtail (Motacilla grandis) is a species of bird in the pipit and wagtail family Motacillidae. It is native to Japan and Korea.
The Japanese wagtail is about 20 cm long. The sexes look similar; they have white underparts and black upperparts, throats, and backs. Their supercilia are also white. They have black beaks and dark grey legs and feet. The plumage of a juvenile is greyer than that of an adult.[2]
The bird's Latin species name, grandis, means large.[2]
The Japanese wagtail is classed as a species of least concern by the IUCN. It has a stable population.[1]
The Japanese wagtail eats insects.[2]
Large groups of Japanese wagtails roost together in trees.[2]
Nests are built in cavities near water. The parents both look after the eggs and chicks. Four to six eggs are laid in each clutch.[2]
It is native to Japan and Korea. Vagrant birds have been recorded in Taiwan, eastern China and far-eastern Russia. It lives in inland wetlands, on arable land and in urban areas.[1]
