The Willy Wagtail Is A Bird With A Silly Name That Perfectly Matches Its Adorableness
Few birds have a name that gets attention quite like the willy wagtail, and the little black-and-white Australian native lives up to it in the cutest way possible.
Known for its bold personality, quick movements, and habit of wagging its tail, this bird is easy to spot and even easier to love. It can be territorial with other birds, but it often seems comfortable around people, which only adds to its charm.
From its striking markings to its playful behavior, the willy wagtail has plenty going for it. Read on for a closer look at why this tiny bird stands out.
Look at that white streak above their eyes. It looks like they're always unimpressed.
Willy wagtails can easily be found in most parts of Australia and Southeast Asia. You'll likely see them in urban areas.
And if you love “wait, what?” bird homes, check out 50 people’s photos of nests in unexpected places.
They can hop close to a human. They'd even perch on people so that they can easily spot insects.
These birds are active feeders.
You'll see them hanging around lawns because they're foraging for insects on the ground. As they hunt, they wag their tails from side to side.
There are even more surprising things about willy wagtails.
One surprising fact is that despite being smaller, they can drive away larger birds of prey from their nests. The white eyebrows are their weapon, as they use them to angrily flare at the predator.
These birds will build their nests near your home. They're so clever that they'll build them right next to magpie-larks' nests (these birds are also aggressive at defending their nests).
Their nests will be 5 meters above the ground in a sheltered spot. Doing so allows them to keep their young safe from the dangers of predators.
Willy wagtails can be found throughout Australia, as well as in parts of New Guinea, where folklore says that they are the spirits of deceased relatives who bring good fortune.
Some Aboriginal communities in Australia, on the other hand, have a less positive impression of the chattering little bird. People would be cautious about telling secrets in the presence of a willy wagtail.
Tribes believe that they're gossipers who eavesdrop on the camps.
Do you want to attract these birds to your garden? Keep your lawn well-watered and add a birdbath with fresh, clean water, where they can bathe, drink, and play.
After all, your dog’s tail wag has its own science, too, in why dogs wag their tails.
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