The white-browed wagtail or large pied wagtail is a medium-sized bird and is the largest member of the wagtail family. They are conspicuously patterned with black above and white below, a prominent white brow, shoulder stripe and outer tail feathers. White-browed wagtails are native to the Indian subcontinent, common near small water bodies and have adapted to urban environments where they often nest on roof tops. The specific name is derived from the Indian city of Madras.
Region
South Asia
Typical Environment
Found across much of the Indian subcontinent, especially in peninsular India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. It favors open freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, village tanks, canals, and paddy fields. In towns and cities it uses ornamental water bodies and man‑made structures for perching and nesting. It avoids dense forests but is common in open countryside and urban edges near water.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the large pied wagtail, it is the largest wagtail and is easily recognized by its bold black-and-white plumage and constant tail-wagging. The species name maderaspatensis refers to Madras (now Chennai), reflecting where it was first described. It readily adapts to human environments and often nests on bridges, buildings, and rooftops near water.
Foraging on a water lily leaf
White-browed wagtail at nest in Hyderabad, India
Temperament
alert, active, and moderately territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with an undulating, low flight over water
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, maintaining territories along water margins during the breeding season. Nests are cup-shaped and placed on ledges, bridges, buildings, or rocky banks; both sexes provision the young. Outside breeding, small loose groups may form at rich feeding sites or communal roosts.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a bright series of clear, ringing whistles and chirps delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp metallic chinks and short chatter, often given in flight or while tail-wagging at the water’s edge.
Plumage
Sharp pied contrast: glossy black upperparts with clean white underparts, a bold white supercilium, and white outer tail feathers.
Diet
Primarily takes insects such as flies, beetles, aquatic larvae, and small orthopterans, gleaned from the ground or snatched in short sallies. It also picks prey from water surfaces and shoreline vegetation. Occasional small aquatic invertebrates are taken opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages along open banks of rivers, lakes, tanks, irrigation canals, and wet fields with scattered perches. In urban areas it exploits streetlights and water features where emerging insects are abundant.
