Fauna
Bird

Willie Wagtail

Rhipidura leucophrys

Also known as Black-and-white Fantail, Shepherd's Companion

Willie wagtails are hyperactive insectivores instantly recognizable by their bold black-and-white plumage and restless, side-to-side tail-wagging motion. Highly territorial and famously fearless, these spirited songbirds relentlessly mob much larger animals, including dogs, hawks, and livestock, to defend their turf or flush out hidden insects. They thrive near humans in parks and farmland, often singing late into moonlit nights during the spring breeding season.

InsectivoreAgileTerritorial
Willie Wagtail reference1 / 6
(c) Lip Kee, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFlies, Moths, Grasshoppers
Predators
  • Feral Cat
  • Laughing Kookaburra
  • Pied Currawong
ThreatsHabitat clearing, feral cat predation, pesticide usage
HabitatsOpen woodlands, grasslands, parks, gardens, urban areas
Life span5–10 years
Classification
  1. OrderPasseriformes
  2. FamilyRhipiduridae
  3. GenusRhipidura
  4. SpeciesRhipidura leucophrys
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Watch from a distance: Observe their rapid side-to-side tail wagging while they hunt insects along lawns and pastures.
  • Give nesting birds space: Maintain a respectful distance during spring as parents will boldly dive-bomb intruders near low nests.
  • Listen at night: Listen for their musical, chatter-like territorial calls during moonlit spring and summer nights.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…