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The White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) is a small ground nesting passerine (perching bird). Along with the longclaws and pipits, it is of the family Motacillidae which is in the genus Motacilla.
This species is the commonest and most widespread wagtail that is found
in Eurasia. It also breeds in Morocco in North Africa and there is a
small Alaskan breeding population in North America. The northern
populations are migratory and move south to spend the winter in southern Europe, Africa and southern Asia.
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Up to 11 sub-species are recognised, including the Pied
Wagtail (Motacilla alba yarrellii) which breeds in Britain, Ireland and the near-continent.
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds
PIED WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba subspecies M. a. yarrellii) male at Broadmeadow Estuary, Swords, Fingal, Swords, Co. Dublin, Ireland
