Monday, June 27, 2005, 11:00 pm
Niche-filler
I photographed this Wille-wagtail while out walking around this morning.
The more I observe Willie-wagtails, the more they remind me of Northern Mockingbirds. They are slender, long-tailed birds that thrive near human habitation. They seem equally comfortable on the ground or high in trees, and they chase each other scolding harshly. Willie-wagtails do not have the extraordinary vocal repertoire of our mockingbirds, but I’ve heard their loud, bright song at all hours of the day and night.
They are of course quite unrelated, but it’s interesting to note such similarities in species on opposite sides of the planet.
David J. Ringer
