White Wagtail

1/1000s at f8.0, ISO:800, Canon EOS-1D X w/800mm, x1.4 converter


The White Wagtail is a small passerine bird in the wagtail family. This species breeds in much of Europe and Asia and parts of North Africa. It is resident in the mildest parts of its range, but otherwise migrates to Africa. It has a toehold in Alaska. The White Wagtail is an insectivorous bird of open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding, where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as parking lots. It nests in crevices in stonewalls and similar natural and man-made structures. White Wagtails are monogamous and defend breeding territories. The breeding season for most is from April to August, with the season starting later further north. Both sexes are responsible for building the nest, with the male responsible for initiating the nest building and the female for finishing the process. The nest is set into a crevice or hole; traditionally in a bank next to a river or ditch, but the species has also adapted to nesting in walls, bridges and buildings. Both parents incubate the eggs, although the female generally does so for longer and incubates at night. The eggs begin to hatch after 12 days (sometimes as late as 16 days). Both parents feed the chicks until they fledge at around 14 days, and the chicks are fed for another week after fledging.
Iceland
 
06/01/2013