White-browed Wagtail

A rather largish wagtail and the only resident amongst this group. It has black head, back, and upper tail, and white underparts. The broad white eyebrow that extends from the base of the bill to the back of its head is a characteristic. A broad white bar on the wing is visible when sitting and in flight. Female is usually duller black than the male, while immatures have a shorter eyebrow with black areas replaced by grayish-brown and have dirty white underparts. Very vocal; gives a loud 3–4 noted whistle and a “psi-sit” flight call. Mostly seen in pairs or family parties, near wet areas of any kind including small pools in lawns and buildings, running around wagging its tail and flying with a characteristic undulating flight.

It is found in open freshwater wetland habitats. It is one of the few Motacilla wagtails that has adapted well to urban habitats and is often found perched on overhead water storages in residential buildings. It is a rare winter visitor to Sri Lanka and have possibly extended their range in recent times.

Like other wagtails, this species is insectivorous. Nestlings were mainly fed orthopterans, caterpillars and spiders. Stayphylinid beetles and pentatomid bugs have also been recorded in their diet. In captivity they have been recorded feeding on annelids.