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Willie Wagtail
Contour feather, likely from the back or breast region

Willie Wagtail

Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Passeriformes, Family: Rhipiduridae, Genus: Rhipidura, Species: R. leucophrys

Family: Rhipiduridae (Fantails)

Shape
Symmetrical vane with a rounded tip, typical of small passerine body contour feathers
Size
Approximately 1.5 inches long, consistent with small passerine body feathers
Rarity
Very Common
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Description

The Willie Wagtail is a well-known, highly active Australian bird recognized by its black-and-white plumage and constant tail-wagging behavior. Measuring around 20 cm in length, it is bold, highly territorial, and often perches prominently on low branches or fences.

Colour & Pattern

Solid deep black coloration, glossy finish with typical melanin pigmentation

Barb Structure

Pennaceous upper portion with interlocked barbs and plumulaceous base

Texture & Surface

Smooth, soft texture with a slight gloss on the dorsal surface

Key Features

Solid black coloration, small size, soft contour structure typical of small insectivorous songbirds

Habitat

Open country, woodlands, wetlands, and urban gardens across Australia and parts of Southeast Asia

Geographic Range

Australia, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, eastern Indonesia, and the Bismarck Archipelago

Ecological Role

Acts as an effective insect predator controlling local insect populations in open woodlands and suburban gardens

Similar Species

Restless Flycatcher (Myiagra inquieta), which has more white underparts and lacks the solid black throat of the Willie Wagtail

Interesting Facts

Despite its small size, the Willie Wagtail will aggressively mob much larger birds of prey and even domestic pets to defend its territory

Condition Notes

Good condition, fresh with intact barbs and no obvious wear or fading