- Motacilla capensis
Identification
Photographed: Kleinmond, Cape, South Africa.
Other Names
Deutsch: Kapstelze; Afrikaans: Gewone Kwikkie
Description
20 cm and 20 g. A gregarious, dull olive grey bird, dull off-white below with blackish breast-band. It has a white eyebrow and the edges of the wing feathers are white, while the tail is dark grey-brown.
Habitat
Almost anywhere where there is water with open ground nearby, from fynbos to forest edge and through alpine grasslands to the Namib Desert.
Diet
Usually forages by walking purposefully, picking or darting after insects. Also wades through shallow water, picking prey in or over water. Mainly insects, dead or alive, including moths, dragonflies, ants, caterpillars, beetles, mosquitoes and termites.
Reproduction
Solitary nester retaining same mate for successive breeding attempts and will attack its reflection in glass or metal during breeding season. Nest has a bulky base built of grasses, weeds, roots, pine needles and seedpods.