Japanese wagtail
# Japanese wagtail

The Japanese wagtail (Motacilla grandis) is a species of bird in the pipit and wagtail family Motacillidae. It is native to Japan and Korea.

## Description

The Japanese wagtail is about 20 cm long. The sexes look similar; they have white underparts and black upperparts, throats, and backs. Their supercilia are also white. They have black beaks and dark grey legs and feet. The plumage of a juvenile is greyer than that of an adult.

## Taxonomy and systematics

The bird's Latin species name, grandis, means large.

## Conservation

The Japanese wagtail is classed as a species of least concern by the IUCN. It has a stable population.

## Behavior

### Diet

The Japanese wagtail eats insects.

### Roosting

Large groups of Japanese wagtails roost together in trees.

### Breeding

Nests are built in cavities near water. The parents both look after the eggs and chicks. Four to six eggs are laid in each clutch.

## Distribution

It is native to Japan and Korea. Vagrant birds have been recorded in Taiwan, eastern China and far-eastern Russia. It lives in inland wetlands, on arable land and in urban areas.

