Cape wagtail | |
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M. c. wellsi at Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Aves |
Order: | Passeriformes |
Family: | Motacillidae |
Genus: | Motacilla |
Species: | M. capensis
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Binomial name | |
Motacilla capensis | |
Range, showing subspecies:
M. capensis wellsi
M. capensis simplicissima
M. capensis capensis
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The Cape wagtail (Motacilla capensis), also known as Wells's wagtail, is a small insectivorous bird which is widespread in southern Africa. It frequents water's edge, lawns and gardens. It is a mostly resident, territorial species, but has been known to undertake limited altitudinal migration or form flocks outside of the breeding season.[3] Like other wagtails they are passerine birds of the family Motacillidae, which also includes the pipits and longclaws.