The Mekong wagtail is a species of bird in the family Motacillidae. It was first described in 2001 and named in honour of the late Cambodian ornithologist Sam Veasna. It is a black and white bird, similar in appearance to the African pied wagtail, although their ranges do not overlap. Its facial features and distinctive voice distinguish it from other black and white wagtails in southeastern Asia.
Region
Lower Mekong Basin
Typical Environment
Confined to braided channels, rocky rapids, sandbars, and vegetated islets along the Lower Mekong River, mainly in northern Cambodia and southern Laos, with occurrences along the Mekong border reaches of northeast Thailand. It favors open, low riverine habitats with scattered shrubs and low trees on islands and banks. Nests are typically placed in low vegetation on sand or gravel islets where water flow creates isolated territories. It avoids dense forest and urbanized riverfronts, relying on dynamic river processes that expose fresh substrates.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Described to science only in 2001, the Mekong wagtail was named in honor of Cambodian ornithologist Sam Veasna. It is a striking black-and-white river specialist that constantly pumps its long tail while foraging on sandbars and rocks. Though currently not considered globally threatened, it is vulnerable to habitat changes from dam construction, sand mining, and river regulation.
Temperament
active and wary
Flight Pattern
low, undulating flight with short rapid wingbeats over water
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs maintaining linear territories along river channels. Pairs are monogamous, nesting in low shrubs or small trees on sand or gravel islets. After breeding, small family groups may forage together on broader sandbars.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, high-pitched calls and thin, squeaky notes, often given in flight. The song is simple and brief, a series of high, tinkling phrases interspersed with the characteristic wagtail call notes.
Plumage
Boldly pied with black upperparts and white underparts, featuring a distinct black breast band and long, wagging tail with white outer feathers.
Diet
Primarily takes small insects such as flies, beetles, ants, and aquatic invertebrates gleaned from wet sand, stones, and low vegetation. It actively runs, pauses, and sallies to snatch prey flushed by wavelets or disturbed on the shore. Occasional aerial sallies above the water pick off flying insects, and it may probe among drift lines for larvae.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along exposed sandbars, gravel spits, and rocky margins of fast-flowing channels where substrates are open and sparsely vegetated. Frequently forages at the water’s edge and on low islet vegetation, using perches such as rocks and driftwood.
