File:African pied wagtail standing on ground - DPLA - 39ecc2e9fe939202aba32caa6b67c0ee.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Aves; Order: Passeriformes; Family: Motacillidae; Genus: Motacilla; Genus species: Motacilla aguimp. Animal characteristics: Head-Body Length: 18.5-19 cm; Identification: The wagtail has black upperparts, white wings, and a black U-shaped breast band joining with black ear coverts. There is also a white patch on the sides of the neck; Habitat: Lake shores, sand banks, river sides, urban areas; Diet: Carnivore: Insects usually aquatic larvae; Reproduction: The nest is made of leaves and dry grass lined with hair and fine rootlets. Two to four eggs are laid after the breeding season in the fall (August to November); Social Structure: Wagtails usually live and travel in pairs; Behavior: Wagtails are territorial and breeding pairs will defend their area. Wagtails are relatively tame and have very little fear of man. They live around rivers or other well-watered areas; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: Wagtails get their name because they frequently wag their tails up and down.