Willie Wagtail
Rhipidura leucophrys
Also known as: Black-And-White Fantail, Willy Wagtail, Willy Wag-Tail
About This Species
This small, confident flycatcher is common in gardens, farmland, wetland edges and urban parks, constantly fanning and wagging its long tail as it darts after flying insects from low perches. Its black-and-white plumage and habit of following grazing animals or people to catch disturbed insects make it easy to recognise and often approach quite closely on its own terms. It is present year-round across most of its range, with breeding activity concentrated in spring and summer.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- This species is generally unbothered by ordinary human activity and often approaches people rather than the reverse, so no special viewing distance is typically needed away from an active nest.
- Wild birds and their nests are protected under wildlife law in the countries across its Australasian range, though specific statutes and enforcement vary, so nests and young should not be handled or disturbed.
- Allowing the bird to set the distance, rather than pursuing it for a closer look, respects its natural boldness without causing stress.
LCAvesPasseriformesRhipiduridae
Seasonal Activity
1,534,221 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Rhipiduridae
Photo
Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
CC-BY-SA-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.