Explore the Heart of South Africa: Nature, Culture, Adventure
African Pied Wagtail
Afrikaans name: Bontkwikkie
The African Pied Wagtail is normally found near water
Photo © Steven Herbert
Motacilla aguimp
The African Pied Wagtail is an attractive black and white bird. It is far more boldly marked than the Long-tailed and Cape Wagtails.
They are frequently found near water, particularly flowing water like rivers, although they may sometimes be seen a bit away from water. They are not shy and may also be seen at man-made habitats like golf courses, parks and gardens.
Wagtails are related to pipits and longclaws. The African Pied Wagtail is a bit bigger than the more common Cape Wagtail, and it has a longer tail.
Photo © Steven Herbert
The main food of this bird is insects. As they are associated with water it is not surprising that they also catch small aquatic creatures such as tadpoles and tiny fish.
Roberts Birds Names by Edition
| Edition | Roberts nr | Scientific name |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 685 | Motacilla aguimp |
| 2nd | 685 | Motacilla aguimp |
| 3rd | 685 | Motacilla aguimp |
| 4th | 685 | Motacilla aguimp |
| 5th | 711 | Motacilla aguimp |
| 6th | 711 | Motacilla aguimp |
| 7th | 906 | Motacilla aguimp |
| Edition | Roberts nr | English name |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 685 | Orange River Wagtail |
| 2nd | 685 | Pied Wagtail |
| 3rd | 685 | African Pied Wagtail |
| 4th | 685 | African Pied Wagtail |
| 5th | 711 | African Pied Wagtail |
| 6th | 711 | African Pied Wagtail |
| 7th | 906 | African Pied Wagtail |
| Edition | Roberts nr | Afrikaans name |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 685 | Swartsy-bont-kwikkie |
| 2nd | 685 | Bont Kwikkie |
| 3rd | 685 | Bont Kwikstert |
| 4th | 685 | Bont Kwikstert |
| 5th | 711 | Bontkwikkie |
| 6th | 711 | Bontkwikkie |
| 7th | 906 | Bontkwikkie |
References and further reading
Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 142Southern African Wildlife - Author: Reader s Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 146
The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 290
The Coastal Guide of South Africa - Author: Jacana Media - Published: 2007 - Page: 100
Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 90
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 350
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 380
Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 621
Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 620
Newman s Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 294
Newman s Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 294
Roberts Bird Guide - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 2007 - Page: 340
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 2nd edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1957 - Page: 367
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 475
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 488
More Garden Birds of Southern Africa - Author: P. Ginn & G. McIlleron - Published: 1981 - Page: 24
Ian Sinclair s Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 270
Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Reader s Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 412
KwaZulu-Natal - A celebration of biodiversity - Author: Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife - Published: 2002 - Page: 179
Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 222
Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 76
Birds of the South Western Cape - Author: Joy Frandsen - Published: 0 - Page: 193
Birds of Africa south of the Sahara - Author: Ian Sinclair and Peter Ryan - Published: 2003 - Page: 364
Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Published: 1991 - Page: 182
Birds of the Transkei - Author: C.D. Quickelberge - Published: 1989 - Page: 105
Birds of the Natal Drakensberg Park - Author: Robin Little and William Bainbridge - Published: 1992 - Page: 93
Birds of Southern Africa - Kruger National Park - Author: Kenneth Newman - Published: 1985 - Page: 154
Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 239
Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Published: 1987 - Page: 102
A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 79
A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 79
A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 260
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