FAMILY NAME: Dicruridae SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rhipidura leucophrys SUBSPECIES: leucophrys, picata, melaleuca.
SIZE: 18 to 22cm. (7 to 9") tip to tail.
LOCATION: Found over almost the entire continent of Australia, in open woodland.
BREEDING: Breeding season is from August to February but varies with conditions, laying about 3 eggs in a clutch with up to 4 clutches in a season . Both the male and female incubate their young.
GENERAL: An insectivorous bird enjoying foraging in lightly wooded areas, grassland and leaf litter for their food. Often they are seen on the backs of cattle or around their feet, waiting for insects. They are black above with white underside, a white eyebrow and a white spotted chin stripe and black legs. Although commonly called "wagtails" because of their movements, they are actually in the "fantail" group.
References:
Michael Morecombe. Field Guide to Australian Birds, Complete Compact Edtion.
Ken Simpson - Nicholas Day. The Birds of Australia.
M. Blakers - S. J. J. F. Davies - P. N. Reilly. The Atlas of Australian Birds.
Birds in Backyards. www.birdsinbackyards.net
