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WHITE WAGTAIL
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| Photo Information |
Copyright: Marius Secan (marius-secan)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 205 W: 0 N: 479]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif) (1621) |
| Genre: Animals |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2009-10-04 |
| Categories: Birds |
| Exposure: f/10.0, 1/400 seconds |
| More Photo Info: [view] |
| Photo Version: Original Version |
| Date Submitted: 2009-10-04 10:52 |
| Viewed: 209 |
| Points: 16 |
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
WHITE WAGTAIL (MOTACILLA ALBA)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
The White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) is a small passerine bird in the wagtail family Motacillidae, which also includes the pipits and longclaws. This species breeds in much of Europe and Asia and parts of north Africa. It is resident in the mildest parts of its range, but otherwise migrates to Africa.
This is an insectivorous bird of open country, often near habitation and water. It prefers bare areas for feeding, where it can see and pursue its prey. In urban areas it has adapted to foraging on paved areas such as car parks.
It nests in crevices in stone walls and similar natural and man-made structures.
his is a slender bird, 16.5–19 cm (6½–7½ in) in length (East Asian subspecies are longer, to 21 cm (8¼ in), with the characteristic long, constantly wagging tail of its genus. The nominate subspecies Motacilla alba alba is basically grey above and white below, with a white face, black cap and black throat.
The call of the White Wagtail is a sharp chisick, slightly softer than the version given by Pied Wagtail. The song is a pleasant twittering, more regular in White than Pied, but with little territorial significance, since the male uses a series of contact calls to attract the female.
This species breeds throughout Eurasia up to latitudes 75°N, only being absent in the Arctic from areas where the July isotherm is less than 4°oC. It also breeds in the mountains of Morocco and western Alaska.
This species has a large range, with an estimated gextent of more than 10 million km² (3.8 sq mi). The population size is unknown, but it is believed to be large, as the species is described as "common" in at least parts of its range.
The most conspicuous habit of this species is a near-constant tail wagging, a trait that has given the species, and indeed the genus, its common name. In spite of the ubiquity of this behaviour, the reasons for it are poorly understood.
White Wagtails are monogamous and defend breeding territories. The breeding season for most is from April to August, with the season starting later further north. Both sexes are responsible for building the nest, which is a rough cup assembled from twigs, grass, leaves and other plant matter. The nest is set into a crevice or hole; traditionally in a bank next to a river, but the species has also adapted to nesting in walls, bridges and buildings. Around 3-8 eggs are laid, with the usual number being 4-6. Both parents incubate the eggs, although the female generally does so for longer and incubates at night. The eggs begin to hatch after 12 days (sometimes as late as 16 days). Both parents feed the chicks until they fledge at around 14 days, and the chicks are fed for another week after fledging. |
nglen, Gert-Paassen, nasokoun, poseidon, goldyrs, horias, roges has marked this note useful
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- nglen
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2916 W: 34 N: 8651]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(32250) - [2009-10-04 10:58]
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Hi Marius. This is such a fine close up ofthe Wagtail. You have used the light to give such warm colours on the well detailed feathers. I like the low POV. well taken TFS,
Nick..
Hi Marius,
a very nice shot from this wagtail with good low pov and dof.
fine colours.
Gert
hello Marius
enchanting pose in a very beautiful composition with very good lighting and attribution of colours,in a very difficult objective...very fine photo!
TFS thanks for sharing
Nasos
Salutare Marius,
Bine surprinsa imaginea si nota foarte amanuntita, chiar daca nu ma pricep asa bine la biologie.
Felicitari,
Iulian
We have a lot of white wagtails here, Marius and I've also posted a couple of shots here on TN, but I feel your shots are awesome, simply superb!
Cheers!
Goldy
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- horias
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 389 W: 59 N: 854]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(3996) - [2009-10-05 6:01]
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Marius
O alta captura la fel de clara si frumoasa ca si cele precedente.
Felicitari pentru calitate!
\Horia
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- PeterZ
(17640)
- [2009-10-05 8:40]
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Hello Marius,
Beautiful photo in warm colours, excellent sharpness, details and composition. Great low POV and pose. Good DOF.
Regards,
Peter
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- roges
(3180)
- [2009-10-05 9:13]
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Salut Marius,
asa cum am promis ieri revin azi.
Excelenta aceasta redare a acestei pasari.
Astept si alte poze asa frumoase si bine documentate.
O saptamina frumoasa,
Adrian
