The small black and white Willie Wagtail is always moving.
It has a long-fanned tail that it swings from side to side or up and down while foraging on the ground.
Males have distinctive white eyebrows. This bird has dark eyes, black feathers and a white chest.
Willie is found all over mainland Australia.
They are very tolerant of humans and can often be found nesting in the same place each year in your backyard near your house or shed.
The Wagtail uses grasses, spider webs, hair and fur to construct its nest and will reuse the materials to rebuild its nest if necessary.
The distinctive white eyebrow of the male wagtail is not just a fashion statement – it helps him attract a mate. Rival males show aggression by expanding their eyebrows during a territorial dispute.
The loser shows his submission by hiding his eyebrow completely, making him look like a young, immature bird.
The Willie Wagtails will defend their nests aggressively from much bigger birds and even dogs.
They have very musical, sweet calls and are a delight to listen to.
They will chase away a much bigger bird of prey from their nest, and flare their white ‘eyebrows’ angrily at the predator as they drive it away.
