Willie Wagtail 214576 226109123 2008-07-16T21:24:47Z Casliber 1381068 this las image adds nothing so removed {{Taxobox | name = Willie Wagtail | image = Willy wag tail.jpg | image_width = 250px | image_caption = Willie Wagtail<br>[[Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne]] | status = LC | status_system = iucn3.1 | status_ref =<ref>{{IUCN2006|assessors=BirdLife International|year=2004|id=51329|title=Rhipidura leucophrys|downloaded=12 May 2006}} </ref> | regnum = [[Animal]]ia | phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]] | classis = [[bird|Aves]] | ordo = [[Passeriformes]] | familia = [[Rhipiduridae]] | genus = ''[[Fantail|Rhipidura]]'' | species = '''''R. leucophrys''''' | binomial = ''Rhipidura leucophrys'' | binomial_authority = [[John Latham (ornithologist)|Latham]], 1802 | range_map=WillieWagtailRangeMap.png | range_map_width=250px | range_map_caption=Willie Wagtail range | subdivision_ranks=[[Subspecies]] | subdivision= ''R. l. leucophrys''<br> ''R. l. melaleuca''<br> ''R. l. picata'' }} The '''Willie''' (or '''Willy''') '''Wagtail''' (''Rhipidura leucophrys'') is a [[passerine]] [[bird]] native to [[Australia]], [[New Guinea]], the [[Solomon Islands]], the [[Bismarck Archipelago]], and eastern [[Indonesia]]. It is a common and familiar bird throughout much of its range, living in most habitats apart from thick forest. Measuring 19.0 to 21.5&nbsp;cm (7½&ndash;8½ [[inch|in]]) in length, the Willie Wagtail is starkly coloured with almost entirely black upperparts and white underparts. The male and female have similar plumage. Three subspecies are recognised; ''leucophrys'' from central and southern Australia, the smaller ''picata'' from northern Australia, and the larger ''melaleuca'' from islands north of Australia. It is unrelated to the true wagtails of the genus ''[[Motacilla]]''; instead it is a member of the fantail genus ''[[Rhipidura]]'' and is a part of a 'core corvine' group including true [[Corvidae|crows and ravens]], [[drongo]]s and [[Birds of Paradise|birds of paradise]]. Within this group, fantails are placed in the family [[Dicruridae]] or their own small family Rhipiduridae. It is [[insectivore|insectivorous]] and spends much time chasing prey in open habitat. Its common name is derived from its habit of wagging its tail horizontally when foraging on the ground. Aggressive and territorial, the Willie Wagtail will often harass much larger birds such as the [[Laughing Kookaburra]] and [[Wedge-tailed Eagle]]. It has responded well to human alteration of the landscape and is a common sight in urban areas such as lawns, parks, and gardens. It was widely featured in [[Indigenous Australians|aboriginal]] [[folklore]] around the country as either a bringer of bad news or a stealer of secrets. ==Taxonomy== The Willie Wagtail was first described by ornithologist [[John Latham (ornithologist)|John Latham]] in 1801 as ''[[Turdus]] leucophrys''.<ref>{{cite book |title=Supplementum Indicis Ornithologici, sive Systematis Ornithologiae |author=Latham J |year=1802 |publisher=G. Leigh, J. & S. Sotheby |location=London |isbn= |pages=p. xlv}}</ref> Its specific epithet is derived from the [[Ancient Greek]] words ''leukos'' "white" and ''ǒphrys'' "eyebrow".<ref name=Liddell1980>{{cite book | author = [[Henry George Liddell|Liddell, Henry George]] and [[Robert Scott (philologist)|Robert Scott]] | year = 1980 | title = [[A Greek-English Lexicon]] (Abridged Edition) | publisher = [[Oxford University Press]] | location = United Kingdom | isbn =0-19-910207-4}}</ref> Other early scientific names include ''[[Muscicapa]] tricolor'' by [[Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot|Vieillot]],<ref>{{fr icon}}{{cite book |title=Nouveau Dictionnaire d'Histoire Naturelle, appliquée aux arts, principalement à l'Agriculture, à l'Écomomie rurale et domestique, à la Médecine, etc. Par une société de naturalistes et d'agriculteurs. Nouvelle Édition Vol. 26 |author=Vieillot LP|year=1818 |publisher=Déterville |location=Paris|pages=p. 490 }}</ref> and ''Rhipidura motacilloides'' by naturalists [[Nicholas Aylward Vigors]] and [[Thomas Horsfield]] in 1827, who erected the genus ''Rhipidura''.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Vigors NA, Horsfield T |year=1827|title=A description of the Australian birds in the collection of the Linnean Society; with an attempt at arranging them according to their natural affinities |journal=Transactions of the Linnean Society of London |volume=15 |pages=170-331}}</ref> The generic term is derived from the Ancient Greek ''rhipis'' "fan" and ''oura'' "tail".<ref name=Liddell1980/> The species was generally referred to by [[John Gould]] and other early writers as the Black-and-white Fantail, although the current name was occasionally noted. However, ''Willie Wagtail'' rapidly became widely accepted sometime after 1916. 'Wagtail' is derived from its active behaviour, while the origins of 'Willie' are obscure.<ref name=Boles88>Boles, p. 381</ref> The name had been in use colloquially for the Pied subspecies of the [[White Wagtail]] (''Motacilla alba'') on the [[Isle of Man]],<ref>{{cite book |title=A Vocabulary of the Anglo-Manx Dialect |author=Moore AW, Morrison S, Goodwin E |year=1924 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=London|url=http://www.isle-of-man.com/manxnotebook/fulltext/am1924/pt_w.htm}}</ref> as well as [[Northern Ireland]].<ref>{{cite book |title=A Concise Ulster Dictionary|author=McAfee CI |year=1996 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=London |isbn=0198631324}}</ref> Other vernacular names applied include Shepherd's Companion (because it accompanied [[livestock]]), Frogbird, Morning Bird, and Australian Nightingale.<ref name=Boles387>Boles, p. 387</ref> Many aboriginal names are [[Onomatopoeia|onomatopoeic]], based on the sound of its scolding call.<ref name=Boles382>Boles, p. 382</ref> ''Djididjidi'' is a name from the Kimberley.<ref name=Gadi01>{{cite book |title=Gadi Mirrabooka: Australian Aboriginal Tales from the Dreaming |author=McKay HF, McLeod PE, Jones FF, Barker JE |year=2001 |publisher=Libraries Unlimited |location= |isbn=1563089238 |pages=p. 100}} </ref> In [[Central Australia]], southwest of [[Alice Springs]], the [[Pitjantjatjara language|Pitjantjatjara]] word is ''tjintir-tjintir(pa)''.<ref>{{cite book |author=Cliff Goddard|title= Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara To English Dictionary |year=1992 |edition=2nd edition |pages=p. 151|publisher=Institute for Aboriginal Development |location=Alice Springs |isbn= 0-949659-64-9}}</ref> Among the [[Kamilaroi]], it is ''thirrithirri''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://coombs.anu.edu.au/WWWVLPages/AborigPages/LANG/GAMDICT/GAM_TWY.HTM |title=Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay Dictionary : T-Y |accessdate=2008-06-29 |author=Austin P, Nathan D|date=1998 |work=The Coombsweb: Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay Dictionary |publisher=Australian National University}}</ref> The Willie Wagtail is unrelated to the [[Eurasia]]n [[wagtail]]s of the family [[Motacillidae]]. It is a member of a group of birds called the [[fantail]]s in the genus ''[[Rhipidura]]'', which is classified either as a subfamily Rhipidurinae within the drongo family [[Dicruridae]], together with the [[monarch flycatcher]]s,<ref name=CB94>{{cite book |title=The Taxonomy and Species of Birds of Australia and its Territories|author=Christidis L, Boles WE |year=1994 |publisher=RAOU|location=Melbourne |isbn=}}</ref> or in a separate family [[Rhipiduridae]].<ref name=CB08>{{cite book |title=Systematics and Taxonomy of Australian Birds|author=Christidis L, Boles WE |year=2008 |publisher=CSIRO Publishing |location=Canberra |isbn=9780643065116 |pages=p. 174}}</ref> Early molecular research in the late 1980s and early 1990s revealed that the fantails belong to a large group of mainly Australasian birds known as the [[Corvida]] [[parvorder]] comprising many tropical and Australian passerines.<ref>[[Charles Sibley|Sibley, Charles Gald]] & [[Jon Edward Ahlquist|Ahlquist, Jon Edward]] (1990): ''Phylogeny and classification of birds''. Yale University Press, New Haven, Conn.</ref> More recently, the grouping has been refined somewhat and the fantails have been classified in a 'core corvine' group with the [[Corvidae|crows and ravens]], [[shrikes]], [[Birds of Paradise|birds of paradise]], [[monarch flycatcher]]s, [[drongo]]s and [[Corcoracidae|mudnest builders]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Cracraft J, Barker FK, Braun M, Harshman J, Dyke GJ, Feinstein J, Stanley S, Cibois A, Schikler P, Beresford P, García-Moreno J, Sorenson MD, Yuri T, Mindell DP |editor=Cracraft J, Donoghue MJ |title=Assembling the tree of life |year=2004|publisher=Oxford Univ. Press |location=New York|isbn=0195172345 |pages=468–89 |chapter=Phylogenetic relationships among modern birds (Neornithes): toward an avian tree of life}}</ref> ===Subspecies=== The following three subspecies are generally recognised:<ref name=Schoddemason99>{{cite book |title=The Directory of Australian Birds: Passerines |author=Mason IJ, Schodde R|year=1999 |publisher=CSIRO |location=Canberra |isbn=0-643-06457-7}}</ref> *''R. leucophrys leucophrys'', the nominate subspecies, is the most widely distributed form found in [[Australia]]. The description below refers to it. There is negligible variation within this form, and little between the three; all have very similar plumage.<ref name=Boles387/> *''R. leucophrys picata'' was described by John Gould in 1848.<ref>Gould J (1848). ''Introduction to the Birds of Australia''. London: J. Gould viii 134 p. xxxix</ref> It is found across northern Australia, from northern [[Western Australia]] to [[Queensland]]. It has shorter wings, and it has a gradient in wing length between latitudes 18-22<sup>o</sup>S across the Australian continent where this subspecies intergrades with ''leucophrys''.<ref>Higgins ''et al.'' p. 244-45</ref> The subspecific epithet is [[Latin]] ''pǐcata'' "smeared with [[Pitch (resin)|pitch]]".<ref>{{cite book|author = Simpson DP| title = Cassell's Latin Dictionary | publisher = Cassell Ltd.| date = 1979|edition = 5|location = London|pages = 883| isbn=0-304-52257-0}}</ref> *''R. leucophrys melaleuca'' was described by [[French people|French]] naturalists [[Jean René Constant Quoy]] and [[Joseph Paul Gaimard]] in 1830.<ref>{{fr icon}} Quoy JRC, Gaimard JP in Dumont-d'Urville, J. (1830). ''Voyage de découvertes de l'Astrolabe exécuté par ordre du Roi, pendant les anneés 1826-1827-1828-1829, sous le commandement de M.J. Dumont-d'Urville''. Zoologie. Paris: J. Tastu Vol. 1 i p. 180</ref> It occurs in eastern [[Indonesia]], [[New Guinea]], the [[Solomon Islands]] and the [[Bismarck Archipelago]]. It is significantly larger, with longer bristles and larger bill.<ref>Higgins ''et al.'' p. 245</ref> Its subspecific name is derived from the Ancient Greek ''melas'' "black", and ''leukos'' "white".<ref name=Liddell1980/> ==Description== [[Image:Wag tail on nest closer.jpg|right|thumb|closeup showing white eyebrows flared]] An adult Willie Wagtail is generally between 19 and 21.5&nbsp;cm (7.5&ndash;8.5&nbsp;[[inch|in]]) in length and weighs 17&ndash;24&nbsp;[[gram|g]] (0.6&ndash;0.85&nbsp;[[ounce|oz]]), with a tail 10&ndash;11&nbsp;cm (approx 4&nbsp;in) long. The short, slender bill measures 1.64&ndash;1.93&nbsp;cm (around 0.75&nbsp;in),<ref name=Boles387/> and is tipped with a small hook.<ref>Higgins ''et al.'' p. 244</ref> This species has longer legs than other fantails, which may be an adaptation to foraging on the ground.<ref name=Harrison>{{ cite journal | author=Harrison CJO | year =1976| title =Some aspects of adaptation and evolution in Australian Fan-tailed Flycatchers | journal =Emu | volume =76 |pages =115–19 | doi =10.1071/MU9760115 | url = http://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/MU9760115.htm | accessdate = 2008-06-08| doi_brokendate =2008-06-28}}</ref> The male and female have similar [[plumage]]; the head, throat, upper breast, wings, upperparts, and tail are all black, with a white eyebrow, 'whiskers' and underparts. The [[beak|bill]] and legs are black and the [[iris (anatomy)|iris]] dark brown. Immature birds in their first year after moulting from juvenile plumage may have pale tips in their wings,<ref name=Boles387/> while juvenile birds themselves have duller plumage, their upperparts brown-tinged with some pale brown scallops on the head and breast.<ref name=HANZAB226>Higgins ''et al.'' p. 226</ref> ===Vocalisation=== The Wagtail is very "chatty" with a number of distinct vocalisations. Its most-recognised call is a rapid ''chit-chit-chit-chit'' but it also has more tuneful sounds in its repertoire. John Gould reported it sounded like a child's rattle or "small cog-wheels of a steam mill".<ref name=Boles382/> In his book ''What Bird is That?'' (1935), [[Neville William Cayley|Neville Cayley]], said it has "a pleasant call resembling ''sweet pretty little creature'', frequently uttered during the day or night, especially on moonlight nights".<ref>{{cite web|author=Lambert, James|title=More additions to the Australian Lexicographical Record|publisher=ANU National Dictionary Centre|url=http://www.anu.edu.au/ANDC/res/aus_words/lambert/lambert_more.php|accessdate=2008-06-08}}</ref> ==Distribution and habitat== Widespread and abundant, the Willie Wagtail is found across most of Australia and [[New Guinea]], the [[Solomon Islands]], the [[Bismarck Archipelago]], and eastern [[Indonesia]]. It is sedentary across most of Australia, though some areas have recorded seasonal movements; it is an autumn and winter visitor to northeastern New South Wales and southeast Queensland, as well as the [[Gulf Country]] and parts of [[Cape York Peninsula]] in the far north. It is a vagrant to Tasmania,<ref>Higgins ''et al.'' p. 229</ref> and on occasion reaches [[Lord Howe Island]].<ref>Higgins ''et al.'' p. 228</ref> There is one record from [[Mangere Island]] in the Chatham Islands archipelago east of [[New Zealand]] in 2002.<ref>{{ cite journal |author=Gummer H | year =2002| title =First record of willie wagtail (''Rhipidura leucophrys'') for New Zealand | journal =Notornis | volume =49| pages =186–88| id = | url =http://www.notornis.org.nz/free_issues/Notornis_49-2002/Notornis_49_3_186.pdf|format=PDF | accessdate = 2008-06-08}}</ref> The Willie Wagtail was released in [[Hawaii]] around 1922 to control insects on livestock, but the introduction was unsuccessful and the last sighting was at [[Koko Head]] in 1937.<ref>{{cite book |title=Introduced Birds of the World: The worldwide history, distribution and influence of birds introduced to new environments |last=Long |first=John L. |year=1981 |publisher=Reed |location=Terrey Hills, Sydney |isbn=0-589-50260-3|pages=p. 325}}</ref> The Willie Wagtail is at home in a wide variety of habitats, but avoids densely forested areas such as rainforest. It prefers semi-open woodland or grassland with scattered trees,<ref name=Boles387/> often near wetlands or bodies of water.<ref name=HANZAB226/> In New Guinea, it inhabits manmade clearings and grasslands, as well as open forest and mangroves.<ref name=Coates140/> On [[Guadalcanal]], it was reported from open areas and coconut groves.<ref>{{ cite journal |author=Donaghho WR | year =1950| title =Observations of Some Birds of Guadalcanal and Tulagi | journal =The Condor | volume =52 | issue =3 | pages =127–32| doi =10.2307/1364897}}</ref> It has responded well to human alteration of the landscape and can often be seen hunting in open, grassed areas such as lawns, gardens, parkland, and sporting grounds.<ref name=HANZAB226/> The species spread into the Western Australian [[Wheatbelt (Western Australia)|Wheatbelt]] after the original vegetation had been cleared for agriculture.<ref>{{cite book |title=Birds of Southwestern Australia: An Atlas of Changes in the Distribution and Abundance of the Wheatbelt Avifauna |last=Saunders, D. A. and Ingram, J. A. |first=DA |coauthors=Ingram JA |year=1995 |publisher=Surrey Beattie |location=Chipping Norton, New South Wales |isbn=0949324574}}</ref> ==Behaviour== [[Image:Will wagtail flight.JPG|thumb|left|in flight]] The Willie Wagtail is almost always on the move and rarely still for more than a few moments during daylight hours. Even while perching it will flick its tail from side to side, twisting about looking for prey. Birds are mostly encountered singly or in pairs,<ref name=Boles387/> although may gather in small flocks.<ref name=HANZAB226/> Unlike other fantails, much of its time is spent on the ground.<ref name=Coates140>Coates, p. 140</ref> It beats its wings deeply in flight, interspersed with a swift flying dip. It characteristically wags its tail upon landing after a short dipping flight.<ref name=HANZAB226/> The Willie Wagtail is highly [[territory (animal)|territorial]] and can be quite fearless in defence of its territory; it will harry not only small birds but also much larger species such as the [[Australian Magpie]] (''Gymnorhina tibicen''), [[Australian Raven|Raven]] (''Corvus coronoides''), [[Laughing Kookaburra]] (''Dacelo novaeguineae''), or [[Wedge-tailed Eagle]] (''Aquila audax'').<ref name=Boles382/> It may even attack domestic dogs and cats. When harassing an opponent, the Willie Wagtail avoids the head and aims for the rear.<ref name=Coates140/> Both the male and female may engage in this behaviour, and generally more intensely in the breeding season. Territories range from 1&ndash;3&nbsp;[[hectare|ha]] (2&ndash;7&nbsp;[[acre]]s) in area.<ref name=HANZAB234>Higgins ''et al.'' p. 234</ref> A pair of birds will declare and defend their territory against other pairs in a ''diving display''. One bird remains still while the other loops and dives repeatedly before the roles are reversed; both sing all the while.<ref name=HANZAB234/> The bird's white eyebrows become flared and more prominent in an ''aggressive display'', and settled and more hidden when in a submissive or ''appeasement display''.<ref name=Boles384>Boles, p. 384</ref> ===Feeding=== The Willie Wagtail perches on low branches, fences, posts, and the like, watching for insects and other small [[invertebrate]]s in the air or on the ground. It usually hunts by [[hawking (birds)|hawking]] flying insects such as [[gnat]]s, flies, and small moths, but will occasionally [[gleaning (birds)|glean]] from the ground. It will often hop along the ground and flit behind people and animals, such as cattle, sheep or horses, as they walk over grassed areas, to catch any creatures disturbed by their passing.<ref name=Boles88/> It wags its tail in a horizontal fashion while foraging in this manner; the exact purpose of this behaviour is unknown but is thought to help flush out insects hidden in vegetation and hence make them easier to catch.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Jackson J, Elgar MA|year=1993|title=The foraging behaviour of the willie wagtail ''Rhipidura leucophrys'': Why does it wag its tail? |journal=Emu |volume=93 |issue=4 |pages=284-86 |id= |url=http://www.publish.csiro.au/?act=view_file&file_id=MU9930284.pdf (full text)|format=PDF |accessdate=2008-07-04}}</ref> The Willie Wagtail takes ticks from the skin of [[grazing]] animals such as cattle or pigs, even from lions asleep in a zoo.<ref>Higgins ''et al.'' p. 230</ref> It kills its prey by bashing it against a hard surface, or holding it and pulling off the wings before extracting the edible insides.<ref>Higgins ''et al.'' p. 232</ref> The adaptability and opportunistic diet of the Willie Wagtail have probably assisted it in adapting to human habitation; it eats a wide variety of [[arthropod]]s, including [[butterflies]], [[moth]]s, [[flies]], [[beetle]]s, [[dragonflies]], [[Hemiptera|bug]]s, [[spider]]s, [[centipede]]s, and [[millipede]]s,<ref name=Adriano95>{{ cite journal | author=Adriano S, Calver MC | year =1995| title =Diet of Breeding Willie Wagtails ''Rhipidura leucophrys'' in Suburban Western Australia | journal =Emu | volume =95 |pages =138–41 | id = | url = http://www.publish.csiro.au/?act=view_file&file_id=MU9950138.pdf|format=PDF| accessdate = 2008-06-08}}</ref> and has been recorded killing small lizards such as [[skinks]] and [[gecko]]s in a study in [[Madang]] on Papua New Guinea's north coast.<ref name=Dyrcz>{{ cite journal | author=Dyrcz A, Flinks H | year =1995| title =Nestling and Adult Diet of the Willie Wagtail ''Rhipidura leucophrys'' Near Madang, Papua New Guinea | journal =Emu | volume =95 |pages =123–26 | id = | url = http://www.publish.csiro.au/?act=view_file&file_id=MU9950123.pdf|format=PDF| accessdate = 2008-06-08}}</ref> The tailbones of these lizards have been found in their [[faeces]] although it is unclear whether the whole animal was eaten or merely the tail. Either way, lizards are only a very occasional prey item forming between 1 and 3% of the total diet.<ref name=Dyrcz/> Evidence from the study in Madang suggested that the Willie Wagtail selectively fed nestlings larger prey.<ref name=Dyrcz/> ===Breeding=== [[Image:Willy Wagtail nest.JPG|thumb|164px|right|Nest well guarded]] Willie Wagtails generally pair for life. The breeding season lasts from July to December, more often occurring after rain in drier regions. Anywhere up to four [[brooding|brood]]s may be raised during this time. It builds a cup-like [[bird nest|nest]] on a tree branch away from leaves or cover, less than 5&nbsp;[[metre|m]] (16&nbsp;[[foot|ft]]) above the ground. [[Rafters]] and [[eaves]] may also be used. It has been observed to build its nest in the vicinity of those of the [[Magpie-lark]] (''Grallina cyanoleuca''), possibly taking advantage of the latter bird's territoriality and aggression toward intruders. Similarly, it is not afraid to build near human habitation.<ref name=Boles384/> The nest consists of grass stems, strips of [[bark]], and other fibrous material which is bound and woven together with [[spider web]]. Even hair from pet dogs and cats may be used.<ref name=Boles384/> The female lays two to four small cream-white eggs with brownish markings measuring 16 x 21&nbsp;mm,<ref>{{cite book | last = Beruldsen | first = G | title = Australian Birds: Their Nests and Eggs | publisher = self | date = 2003 | location = Kenmore Hills, Qld | pages = p. 359 | isbn = 0-646-42798-9}}</ref> and [[avian incubation|incubates]] them for 14&nbsp;days.<ref name=Marchant74>{{ cite journal |author=Marchant S | year = 1974| title = Analysis of nest-records of the Willie Wagtail | journal = Emu | volume =74| pages =149–60 | url =http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/96/paper/MU974149.htm (abstract)| doi=10.1071/MU974149 |accessdate = 2008-06-11| doi_brokendate = 2008-06-28}}</ref> Like all [[passerine]]s, the chicks are [[altricial]] and nidicolous; they are born naked and helpless with closed eyes, and remain in the nest.<ref>Higgins ''et al.'' p. 241</ref> Both parents take part in feeding the young,<ref name=Dyrczbbb>{{ cite journal |author=Dyrcz A | year = 1994| title = Breeding Biology and Behavior of the Willie Wagtail ''Rhipidura leucophrys'' in the Madang Region, Papua New Guinea | journal = Emu | volume =94| pages =17–26 | url =http://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/MU9940017.htm (abstract)|doi=10.1071/MU9940017| accessdate = 2008-06-11}}</ref><ref name=Goodey93>{{ cite journal |author=Goodey W, Lill A | year = 1993| title =Parental Care by the Willie Wagtail in Southern Victoria | journal = Emu | volume =93| pages =180–87 | url =http://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/MU9930180.htm (abstract)|doi=10.1071/MU9930180 | accessdate = 2008-06-11| doi_brokendate =2008-06-28}}</ref> and may continue to do so while embarking on another brood.<ref>Coates, p. 141</ref> Nestlings remain in the nest for around 14&nbsp;days before fledging.<ref name=Marchant74/> Upon leaving, the fledglings will remain hidden in cover nearby for one or two days before venturing further afield, up to 20&nbsp;m (60&nbsp;ft) away by the third day. Parents will wind down feeding their fledglings near the end of the second week, as the young birds increasingly forage for themselves, and soon afterwards drive them out of the territory.<ref name=HANZAB242>Higgins ''et al.'' p. 242</ref> The female [[Pallid Cuckoo]] (''Cuculus pallidus'') will lay eggs in a Willie Wagtail nest, although the hosts often recognise and eject the foreign eggs, so successful [[brood parasitism]] is rare.<ref name=Marchant74/> Parasitism by the [[Fan-tailed Cuckoo|Fan-tailed]] (''Cacomantis flabelliformis''), [[Brush Cuckoo|Brush]], (''C. variolosus''), [[Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo|Horsfield's Bronze]] (''Chrysococcyx basalis''), and [[Shining Bronze-cuckoo]] (''C. lucidus'') has also been reported.<ref name=HANZAB242/> Although the Willie Wagtail is a successful species, predators do account for many eggs and young. About two thirds of eggs hatch successfully, and a third leave the nest as fledglings. Nestlings may be preyed upon by both [[Pied Butcherbird]], (''Cracticus nigrogularis'') [[Black Butcherbird]]s (''C. quoyi''), the [[Spangled Drongo]] (''Dicrurus bracteatus''), and the [[Pied Currawong]] (''Strepera graculina''), as well as the [[feral cat]] (''Felis catus''), and [[Rattus|rat]] species. The proximity of nesting to human habitation has also left nests open to destruction by children.<ref name=HANZAB242/> ==Cultural depictions== The Willie Wagtail was a feature in [[Indigenous Australians|aboriginal]] [[folklore]] around Australia.<ref name=Clarke04/> In parts of southeastern Australia, such as among the [[Ngarrindjeri]] of the Lower [[Murray River]], and the Narrunga People of the [[Yorke Peninsula]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ptpearceab.sa.edu.au/buth01.htm |title=The story of Buthera's Rock: A Story of the Narrunga People of Yorke Peninsula|accessdate=2008-06-07 |publisher=Point Pearce Aboriginal School |date=2008}}</ref> it is known as the bearer of bad news.<ref name=Clarke04>{{cite book |title=Where the Ancestors Walked: Australia as an aboriginal landscape |last=Clarke |first=Philip |year=2004 |publisher=Allen & Unwin |isbn=1741140706 |pages=p. 23}}</ref> It was also thought to be able to steal a person's secrets while lingering around camps eavesdropping, so women would be close-lipped when the Willie Wagtail was around.<ref name=Boles384/> The people of the Kimberley held a similar belief that it would inform the spirit of the recently departed if living relatives spoke badly of them. They also venerated the Willie Wagtail as the most intelligent of all animals.<ref name=Gadi01/> Called the ''Kuritoro'' bird in New Guinea's eastern highlands, its appearance was significant in the mourning ceremony by a widow for her dead husband. She would offer him banana flowers; the bird's singing nearby would confirm the dead man's soul had taken the offering.<ref>{{ cite journal |author=Aufenanger H | year =1980| title =On the Human Soul: Reports from the Eastern Highlands of New Guinea | journal =Asian Folklore Studies | volume =39 | issue =1 | pages =79–114| url =http://www.nanzan-u.ac.jp/SHUBUNKEN/publications/afs/pdf/a351.pdf|format=PDF | accessdate = 2008-06-08| doi =10.2307/1177518}}</ref> The Willie Wagtail has also been depicted on postage stamps in [[Palau]] and the Solomon Islands,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.birdtheme.org/mainlyimages/index.php?comb=142013000&s=142 |title=Stamps showing 142013000 Willie-wagtail ''Rhipidura leucophrys''|accessdate=2008-06-11 |author=Scharning K |date=2008 |work=Theme Birds on Stamps |publisher=self}}</ref> and has also appeared as a character in Australian childrens' literature, such as ''[[Dot and the Kangaroo]]'' (1899),<ref>{{cite book |title=Dot and the Kangaroo |last=Pedley |first=Ethel C. |year=1991|origyear=1899 |publisher=Angus & Robertson |location=Sydney |isbn=0207173389}}</ref> ''[[Blinky Bill|Blinky Bill Grows Up]]'' (1935),<ref>{{cite book |last=Wall |first=Dorothy |title=The Complete Adventures of Blinky Bill|volume=Blinky Bill Grows Up |origyear=1935|year=1990 |publisher=Angus & Robertson |location=Sydney|isbn=0207167400|chapter=Chapter IV:Blinky Meets Willie Wagtail}}</ref> and ''Willy Wagtail and other tales'' (1929).<ref>{{cite book |title=Willy Wagtail and other tales |last=Howes |first=Edith |year=1929 |publisher=Whitcombe and Tombs Limited |location=New Zealand}}</ref> ==References== {{Reflist|2}} ===Cited texts=== *{{cite book |title=The Robins and Flycatchers of Australia |last=Boles |first=Walter E.|year=1988 |publisher=Angus & Robertson |location=Sydney |isbn=0-207-15400-7}} *{{cite book |title=The Birds of Papua New Guinea, Including the Bismarck Archipelago and Bougainville |author=Coates BJ |year=1990|publisher=Dove Publications |location=Alderley, Queensland |isbn=0-9590257-1-5}} *{{cite book |title=[[Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds]]. Volume 7: Boatbill to Starlings. |author=Higgins PJ, Peter JM, Cowling SJ ''(eds)'' |year=2006 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Melbourne |isbn=0-19-553996-6}} ==External links== * [http://www.bsc-eoc.org/avibase/avibase.jsp?pg=summary&lang=EN&id=AED672ACFC5782B3&ts=1177031766500 Avibase (Willie Wagtail)] * [http://ibc.hbw.com/ibc/phtml/especie.phtml?idEspecie=6730 Willie Wagtail videos] on the Internet Bird Collection [[Category:Birds of South Australia]] [[Category:rhipidura]] [[Category:Birds of Western Australia]] [[Category:Birds of Papua New Guinea]] [[Category:Birds of the Solomon Islands]] [[Category:Birds of Indonesia]] [[de:Gartenfächerschwanz]] [[fr:Rhipidure hochequeue]]