Cape Wagtail
Photo: Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 4.0

Wagtails and Pipits

Cape Wagtail

Motacilla capensis

LCLeast Concern
Family
Wagtails and Pipits (Motacillidae)
Order
Passeriformes

Overview

The Cape wagtail (Motacilla capensis), also known as Wells's wagtail, is a small insectivorous bird which is widespread in southern Africa. It frequents water's edge, lawns and gardens. It is a mostly resident, territorial species, but has been known to undertake limited altitudinal migration or form flocks outside of the breeding season. Like other wagtails they are passerine birds of the family Motacillidae, which also includes the pipits and longclaws.

Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Range and habitat

Sources and further reading

Last updated September 29, 2026.