Willie Wagtail

Bird

The Willie Wagtail is a widely distributed passerine bird native to Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands. Known for its energetic tail-wagging behaviour, it is a territorial insectivore that thrives in open habitats. This species plays a key ecological role by controlling insect populations and signalling environmental changes through its activity patterns.

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SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Rhipidura leucophrys

FAMILY:

Rhipiduridae

NATIONAL CONSERVATION STATUS:

Least Concern

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Fun Fact:

Willie Wagtails are known for their bold personalities—they often fearlessly chase away much larger birds, like hawks and magpies. They even attack dogs to defend their territory!