African Pied Wagtail

Afrikaans name: Bontkwikkie

The African Pied Wagtail is normally found near water

Photo © Steven Herbert

Motacilla aguimp

The African Pied Wagtail is an attractive black and white bird. It is far more boldly marked than the Long-tailed and Cape Wagtails.

They are frequently found near water, particularly flowing water like rivers, although they may sometimes be seen a bit away from water. They are not shy and may also be seen at man-made habitats like golf courses, parks and gardens.

Wagtails are related to pipits and longclaws. The African Pied Wagtail is a bit bigger than the more common Cape Wagtail, and it has a longer tail.

Photo © Steven Herbert

The main food of this bird is insects. As they are associated with water it is not surprising that they also catch small aquatic creatures such as tadpoles and tiny fish.

Roberts Birds Names by Edition

Edition	Roberts nr	Scientific name
1st	685	Motacilla aguimp
2nd	685	Motacilla aguimp
3rd	685	Motacilla aguimp
4th	685	Motacilla aguimp
5th	711	Motacilla aguimp
6th	711	Motacilla aguimp
7th	906	Motacilla aguimp

Edition	Roberts nr	English name
1st	685	Orange River Wagtail
2nd	685	Pied Wagtail
3rd	685	African Pied Wagtail
4th	685	African Pied Wagtail
5th	711	African Pied Wagtail
6th	711	African Pied Wagtail
7th	906	African Pied Wagtail

Edition	Roberts nr	Afrikaans name
1st	685	Swartsy-bont-kwikkie
2nd	685	Bont Kwikkie
3rd	685	Bont Kwikstert
4th	685	Bont Kwikstert
5th	711	Bontkwikkie
6th	711	Bontkwikkie
7th	906	Bontkwikkie

References and further reading

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 142

The Coastal Guide of South Africa - Author: Jacana Media - Published: 2007 - Page: 100

Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 146

The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 290

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 90

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 380

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 621

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 350

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 620

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 488

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 475

Roberts Bird Guide - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 2007 - Page: 340

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 2nd edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1957 - Page: 367

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 294

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 294

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 412

More Garden Birds of Southern Africa - Author: P. Ginn & G. McIlleron - Published: 1981 - Page: 24

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 76

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Published: 1991 - Page: 182

Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 270

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 222

Birds of the Transkei - Author: C.D. Quickelberge - Published: 1989 - Page: 105

Birds of the South Western Cape - Author: Joy Frandsen - Published: 0 - Page: 193

Birds of the Natal Drakensberg Park - Author: Robin Little and William Bainbridge - Published: 1992 - Page: 93

Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Published: 1987 - Page: 102

Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 239

Birds of Southern Africa - Kruger National Park - Author: Kenneth Newman - Published: 1985 - Page: 154

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 79

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 79

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 260

BirdLife South Africa

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List of South African Birds