Japanese wagtail
{{Short description|Species of bird}}{{Expand Japanese|date=February 2025}}{{Speciesbox
| name = Japanese wagtail
| image = Motacilla grandis -Japan-8.jpg
| image_caption = In Japan
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| taxon = Motacilla grandis
| authority = Sharpe, 1885
| synonyms =
}}
The Japanese wagtail (Motacilla grandis) is a species of bird in the pipit and wagtail family Motacillidae. It is native to Japan and Korea.
Description
The Japanese wagtail is about 20 cm long. The sexes look similar; they have white underparts and black upperparts, throats, and backs. Their supercilia are also white. They have black beaks and dark grey legs and feet. The plumage of a juvenile is greyer than that of an adult.
Taxonomy and systematics
Conservation
The Japanese wagtail is classed as a species of least concern by the IUCN. It has a stable population.
Behavior
=Diet=
The Japanese wagtail eats insects.{{cite web
|url=https://birdsoftheworld.info/japanese-wagtail/
|website=Birds of the World
|title=Japanese Wagtail
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102181616/https://birdsoftheworld.info/japanese-wagtail/
|archive-date=2020-01-02
}}
=Roosting=
=Breeding=
Distribution
It is native to Japan and Korea. Vagrant birds have been recorded in Taiwan, eastern China and far-eastern Russia. It lives in inland wetlands, on arable land and in urban areas.
==References==
{{Commons}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q1071547}}