WHITE WAGTAIL
In Britain and Ireland, this bird is known as the pied wagtail, with the male having a black back and the female having a dark grey back. In the rest of Europe, this bird is called the white wagtail. This wonderful little bird has always been a favourite of mine. 180mm long, with a thin black and white tail, which is constantly bobbing up and down. White wagtails have grey backs with a white face and breast, black chins and a black bib. The crown is also black.
They are frequently seen in and around villages and towns, often feeding on tarmac or concreted areas. They prefer flat open places, so that they can see and chase insects easily. Lawns and roofs are also good places to spot them. Here on Kefalonia, I see them all the time at Katelios, on the coast, hunting for flies and invertebrates. White wagtails are monogamous and defend their breeding territories vigorously. Both parents build the nest, which is usually situated in a crevice or hole in a wall or riverbank. Both adults incubate the 4 to 6 eggs, which hatch after 12 days.
