Garden birds of Alberton: The Cape wagtail
Cape wagtails are known for the way they wag their tails while walking.
The Cape wagtail is a small bird with a long tail found in Alberton gardens.
Cape wagtails are small, predominantly grey coloured birds. Distinguishing features of this species are a long tail and a black band across the breast. Wagtails are commonly seen walking along the ground and wagging its tail up and down. This behavioural trait is the origin of the name of the species.
Wagtails are monogamous and mates for life. The pair builds a nest on their own which the male defends diligently. Male Cape wagtails have been known to be very aggressive towards their own reflections, seeing it as a potential rival. Wagtails are predatory, feeding mostly on small insects as well as tadpoles and small fish when water is available. When coexisting with humans they feed on many of the scraps left behind by humans.
Wagtails are a tame species of bird and are quite tolerable to humans coming close to it. The Xhosa people believe the wagtail to be a ‘bird of good fortune’ and offer it their protection.
Also Read:
Garden birds of Alberton: The Grey go-away-bird
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