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Cape wagtail Motacilla capensis
Photograph by Peter Steyn
Fast facts
- Always wags its tail on landing
- Includes developing frogs and tiny crustaceans in its diet
Common resident of southern Namibia and South Africa, but also found throughout Africa, except in the north-east region.
Numbers are slowly declining in some areas.
Occurs around small, slow-flowing streams, dams, pools, vleis and sewerage works and in parks, gardens and farmyards.
Eats insects, small crustaceans, fish and tadpoles.
Wags its tail on landing, when standing and if nervous.