Cape wagtail

Introduction: Cape wagtails (Motacilla capensis) can be observed in almost any habitat there is water, with areas of open ground in the nearby vicinity. This includes mountain grasslands to the Namib Desert. Sightings are mostly singly, in pairs or in loose flocks of 50 up to 100 birds in the winter.

Distribution: Mainly from the Kunene River along the coast, through Namibia to the Orange River. Also found in Etosha National Park and the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip).
Diet: Eats mainly insects, picked from the ground. Also wades in water and forages on floating vegetation, such as water lilies and water weeds. Cape wagtails also take dead insects from car radiators. Diet includes flies, butterflies and caterpillars, beetles, termites and ants, dragonflies, mosquitoes and midges. Also takes small crustaceans, small tadpoles and fish, ticks and small chameleons.

Description: Olive-grey upper parts and face and a grey-brown tail. The upper breast, throat and maler area are whitish, less for a distinctive dark grey, centre, gorget (a 'protective' throat marking).
Breeding: Usually 2 to 4 eggs are laid year-round and incubated for around 14 days. Nests are made from grasses, seeds, weeds, pine needles and leaves and lined with finer materials such as wool and feathers.

Size: 20cm.

Weight: 20cm.