Nyarima

Willie Wagtail

Scientific Name: Rhipidura leucophrys

Also known as: Black-and-white Fantail

Bird Range Map (Shading indicates where the bird is commonly found – no shading indicates this is yet to be added)

Willie Wagtail

Scientific Name: Rhipidura leucophrys

Also known as: Black-and-white Fantail

Bird call

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Bird Size

About the length of a big mobile phone (~20cm) the Willie Wagtail is probably the biggest of the fantail birds and stands out from other fantails because of its thick white eyebrow, its white goatee and throat and its black and white body colours. It is found all over country although is only a visitor to Tasmania. 

Bird Features, Colours, Behaviours

All birds look similar but young have light brown eyebrows and darker brown feathers. They have black backs, heads, throat, beak, wings and tails and white underbodies. These guys are not shy and their favourite tucker could be insects caught mid flight. You can often see them on the ground or a branch flicking and fanning their tail and you might see them taking a ride on the back of farm animals.

Bird Social Behaviour

They can be alone or in a couple or small family mobs.

Language Area / Centre: Yugambeh | Nation: Bundjalung

Bird name: Jingeri jingeri

Story: The Dillon family story tells that Jingeri jingeri hangs around when someone is coming with a message.

Knowledge from: Clinton Brewer
Knowledge origin: Kombummeri-Ngarangwal

Language Area / Centre: Yugambeh

Bird name: Jitta Jitta, Jingreejingree

Story: Jingreejingree is known as a messenger bird to mob. This bird is also a carrier of lore for mob, carrying traditional knowledge. We must always be extra observant to Willie Wagtail and make sure we give gratitude back to Willie Wagtail.

Knowledge from: Germaine Paulson
Knowledge origin: Mununjali

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