The White Wagtail
White
Wagtail Motacilla alba alba L 18. Nominate
race of Pied, breeds throughout Europe except
within Pied's range. Male easily told from Pied
Wagtail by medium grey back contrasting sharply
with pure black nape. Female similar but grey
back colour usually merges imperceptibly into
black of crown. Occasional females may lack
all trace of black on crown. Juvenile impossible
to distinguish in field from juvenile Pied (but
1 st-winter birds often seperable - see above
under Pied). P
An
excellent pocket reference book for recognising birds
is the Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe,
which is a comprehensive reference guide to Britain
and mainland Europe's plethora of ornithological life.
