White Wagtail

Motacilla alba

(M. a. alba M. a. dukhunensis)

Armenian Name:	Սպիտակ խաղտտնիկ

See Plate 40 for White Wagtail and other similar species

Resident Status:	Year-round resident
Abundance:	Common
Length:	18 cm, Wing Span:25-30 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 218.
Description:	Gray, black, and white wagtail.
Adult:	M. a. dukhunensis has wider whiter wingbars and tertial edges.
Adult (Breeding):	M. a. alba: male is light gray above with black bib and crown, and wide white forehead. Female has gray-black crown grading to gray nape and narrower forehead band;
Adult (Non-breeding):	Male has off-white throat and black breast band. Female has all gray crown and grayish cheeks.
Juvenile:	Patterned gray face with yellow and brown tones; blotchy breast band.
Immature:	Distinct dark gray breast band and head pattern.
Similar Species:	Differs from all other wagtails by broad gray or black breast band.
Behavior:	Unwary. Runs or walks on ground with short quick steps; constantly wags tail up and down.
Habitat:	River banks, lake shores, urban areas.
Food:	Invertebrates.
Nest:	Cup in rock or wall cavity, or in dense shrubbery; often near settlements.
Eggs:	20 mm, 5-6, whitish, gray-brown spots.