We hold regular events and activities throughout the year and some have been taking place for decades. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic birds. The Willie (or Willy) wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys) is a distinctive black and white passerine bird. Find places to watch birds in their native habitat. The sexes are similar and they have longer and stronger legs than other fantail species. Griffin, P. 2013. The common name and genus names are derived from their characteristic tail pumping behaviour. Most of us have seen willie wagtails hopping about in the daytime, wagging their tail from side to side. www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz. Research, monitoring and evaluation underpin all our efforts. Vol. The soft lining of the nest, if not readily available, is often taken directly from an animal. Checklist of the birds of New Zealand, Norfolk and Macquarie Islands, and the Ross Dependency, Antarctica (4th ed.). ... Behaviour. Wagtail is derived from its active behaviour, while the origins of willie are obscure. Notornis 49: 186-188. This is quite bizarre behaviour and I am at a loss to think of a reasonable explanation. Willie Wagtail, Rufous Fantail. It beats its wings deeply in flight, interspersed with a swift flying dip. Four young in a small nest stretch it beyond re-use. Similar species: although unlikely to be confused with any resident New Zealand bird, males of two Australian flycatchers have similar markings: satin flycatcher (Myiagra cyanoleuca, recorded twice from New Zealand) and leaden flycatcher (M. rubecula). The Willie Wagtail was also seen as an ill omen, and they would abandon an expedition if a Willie Wagtail was seen on the morning of departure. The Grey Fantail builds its nest in a thin tree-fork, unusually between 2 and 5 metres from the ground. Breeding biology and behaviour of the Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys) in the Madang Region, Papua New Guinea. Pizzey, G. 2007. Reflecting this, it features prominently in Indigenous mythology. we took a lot of videos from various sources on youtube … Behaviour The Willie Wagtail is almost always on the move and rarely still for more than a few moments during daylight hours. In its breeding habitat and when feeding, Pied Wagtails will typically walk through very short vegetation such as a grazed field in order to disturb insects, and then either catch them on the ground or quickly fly up to catch them as the insect tries to make a getaway. We are also the meeting ground for everyone with an interest in birds from the curious backyard observer to the dedicated research scientist. There are many ways you can help us help our native birds. With so many diverse Australian Aboriginal languages, and no linguistic continuity across the continent, there has been little enthusiasm to adopt Aboriginal names as the standard English name for many bird species (exceptions to this include kookaburras, budgerigar, brolga and galah). It is also found in northern Tasmania, in New Guinea, Salomon Islands, Bismarck Archipelago and the Moluccas. Slater, P. 1989. It has a prominent white eyebrow which varies in size and conspicuousness depending on the bird’s emotional state, sex or status. ; Cowling, S.J. Our research into the willie wagtail provides some answers to this question and sheds light (moonlight to be precise) on the nocturnal conditions they prefer most. As they do so, the tail is wagged from side to side. In winter they may congregate in flocks, but mostly are seen in pairs or singly. With stunning images of featured species and some recordings of their songs and calls, you are sure to find that mystery bird, or learn more about species you already know. Even while perching it will flick its tail from side to side, twisting about looking for prey. It is also found in New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, the Bismarck Archipelago and the Moluccas. Perhaps, with a clean slate, the willie wagtail could be called “djidi-djidi” (pronounced chitty-chitty), or the “true” wagtails could be called bobtails! It characteristically wags its tail upon landing after a short dipping flight.