Wagtails & Pipits - Bergeronnettes et pipits 

The family, comprising 65 species, occurs worldwide except on some oceanic islands. Only 3 species occur regularly in Canada.

These small passerines (perching birds) range in length from 12 to 22 cm. Plumage varies from black, grey or brown, to olive or yellow and may be plain or streaked. Outer tail feathers are often white. The bill tends to be long, slender and pointed. Legs and toes are often long; the hind toe is elongated in most species.

Pipits and wagtails are mainly terrestrial and habitually "wag" their tails when on the ground. These birds have simple, repetitive songs, often delivered in flight, sometimes very high above the ground.

Did you know ??

Although we call them American Pipits, this species also occurs across Asia, where it is known as “Buff-bellied Pipit.”