Rhipidura leucophrys

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Family

Dicruridae

Genus

Rhipidura

Species

leucophrys

Common Names

Willie Wagtail, Black-and-white Fantail, Black-and-white Flycatcher, Frogbird, Morning Bird, Shepherd's Companion, Australian Nightingale, Chitti Chitti, Tjitle Tjitle

Distinguishing Features

The Willie Wagtail has a black head, throat and body with white underparts. The only white on its head is in its distinctive white eyebrow that changes size with a bird's level of excitement. The long, black tail is often fanned and restlessly swung back and forth. Its legs are much longer than those of other fantails.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

A scolding rattle of 'chicka-chicka-chika' or a pleasant, cheerful chatter.

Similar Species

This species is similar to the Grey Fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa ), however wagtails are noticeably larger in size and are much more black.

Distribution

The Willie Wagtail is found in dominant numbers across all of Australia, excluding the northern tip of QLD and the southern half of TAS. They are also found in New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Bismarck Archipelago and the Moluccas.

Country of Origin

Australia

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

A gradual rise and fall in population numbers over the past 20 years indicates stability (COG).

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999. The Torres Strait population (Rhipidura leucophrys melaleucais) currently listed as Near Threatened, as it is confined to a small island population that may be at risk from rising sea levels in the near future.

LSCCES Population

High numbers were found at the NMA and BMP. Some were also found in Turner, Civic West and at ANU.

Associated vegetation community

Willie Wagtails prefer open country and woodland areas. They are also commonly seen in the urban environment in open parklands or school grounds.

Limiting Resources

The birds appear to survive best in areas of warm sunshine and clearings, with easy access to water in drier environments.

Breeding

The Willie Wagtail's nest is a neatly woven cup of grasses, covered with spider's web on the outside and lined internally with soft grasses, hair or fur. A clutch size is usually three cream speckled eggs, needing two weeks of incubation and two weeks in the nest. Both parents share the breeding season activities and up to four clutches can be raised in a single breeding season. The species spends time on the nest in October and dependant young are around from early December to late February.

Behaviour

Willie Wagtails use their eyebrows in territorial disputes. They will dive at rivals, chattering crossly and fluffing up the white feathers. The defeated bird will withdraw its eyebrow completely. Both male and female approach courtship with raised eyebrows. Around humans, the birds are very confident and cheerful. They will happily nest in and around houses and their gardens. They are also found around cattle and sheep, catching the insects that are attracted to the scent of the large animals or are distubed by their movements.

Functional Group

Insectivore

Food Species

They feed mostly on insects found on the ground or in low shrubs.

Predators

European Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes), Dogs (Canis familiaris) and Cats (Felis catus) may attempt to attack this confident little bird, as may larger birds of prey. However, they are quite aggressive, especially in the breeding season and will bravely tackle predators several times their own size, such as Australian Magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen ) and Laughing Kookaburras (Dacelo novaeguineae ).

Interesting Fact

The Willie Wagtail features in many Aboriginal myths. In some regions, its killing is said to bring on violent storms, while in the NT the bird is considered a cunning spy and therefore ceremonial or private matters should not be discussed in its presence.