title: Japanese wagtail
text: # Japanese wagtail
  
  The Japanese wagtail (Motacilla grandis) is a species of bird in the pipit and wagtail family Motacillidae. It is native to Japan and Korea.
  
  ## Description
  
  The Japanese wagtail is about 20 cm long. The sexes look similar; they have white underparts and black upperparts, throats, and backs. Their supercilia are also white. They have black beaks and dark grey legs and feet. The plumage of a juvenile is greyer than that of an adult.
  
  ## Taxonomy and systematics
  
  The bird's Latin species name, grandis, means large.
  
  ## Conservation
  
  The Japanese wagtail is classed as a species of least concern by the IUCN. It has a stable population.
  
  ## Behavior
  
  ### Diet
  
  The Japanese wagtail eats insects.
  
  ### Roosting
  
  Large groups of Japanese wagtails roost together in trees.
  
  ### Breeding
  
  Nests are built in cavities near water. The parents both look after the eggs and chicks. Four to six eggs are laid in each clutch.
  
  ## Distribution
  
  It is native to Japan and Korea. Vagrant birds have been recorded in Taiwan, eastern China and far-eastern Russia. It lives in inland wetlands, on arable land and in urban areas.
  
  