Lavandera cascadeña

1. Nombre de ave:
The bird discussed in this profile is the Forest Wagtail, scientifically known as Dendronanthus indicus. This species is part of the Motacillidae family, which includes pipits and longclaws as well as wagtails.

2. Apariencia:
The Forest Wagtail is characterized by its delicate build and slender appearance. It dons a largely white and gray plumage, marked by a thin, black-and-white checkered band along the sides of its neck, and a black streak across its eye. Its underparts are pale, while its upperparts showcase various shades of grey. The tail, true to wagtail fashion, is long and typically in motion, with outer feathers that are bright white. The bill is medium-sized and black, while the eyes are a clear, bright brown. Both sexes of the Forest Wagtail sport the same coloration and markings, making them difficult to tell apart based solely on appearance.

3. Tamaño:
A medium-sized bird, the Forest Wagtail measures about 18-20 centimeters (around 7-8 inches) in length, including its lengthy tail. It weighs within the range of 20-25 grams.

4. Hábitat y distribución:
Indicative of its name, the Forest Wagtail prefers forested areas for its habitat. It is typically found in the dense woods across Southeast Asia, with a distribution range encompassing countries such as India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China, extending southwards towards Indonesia and the Philippines. They prefer moist environments and are often found near water bodies.

5. Datos de interés:
One intriguing behavior of the Forest Wagtail is its unique tail-wagging motion. Unlike other wagtail species that move the tail up and down, the Forest Wagtail wags its tail from side to side, leading some birders to affectionately call it the “clock pendulum bird”. Additionally, it is the only member of the wagtail family that nests in trees rather than on the ground.

6. Dieta:
The Forest Wagtail primarily feeds on insects. It forages through foliage or on the ground, capturing beetles, ants, and their larvae, as well as small spiders.

7. Comportamiento y sonidos:
This bird species is known for its distinctive flight pattern, characterized by rapid wingbeats interspersed with short glides. Its call is described as a clear and high-pitched “tzweee”, often repeated several times. The song is a high-pitched warbling, usually sung from a perch high in the forest canopy.

8. Estado de conservación:
The Forest Wagtail is currently listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This is due to its large population size and wide distribution range.

9. Vida útil:
The Forest Wagtail has a typical lifespan of around 12 years, both in the wild and captivity.

10. Notas adicionales:
This bird’s name in Hindi, “वन की चोंचटिया” translates to “Wagtail of the forest”. It’s a solitary bird and interactions with humans are minimal to none due to its preference for denser vegetation. Due to their diet, Forest Wagtails help control insect populations within their ecosystems, thereby assisting in keeping the ecological balance intact.