Motacilla samveasnae
The Mekong Wagtail (Motacilla samveasnae) is a striking passerine endemic to the lower Mekong River basin, distinguished by its sleek, medium-sized build, typically around 18 cm in length. Adults feature dark slate-grey upperparts, a stark white supercilium extending prominently beyond the eye, a contrasting white throat, and a clean white belly, punctuated by a bold, often U-shaped, black breast band. This distinctive plumage makes it readily identifiable from its close relatives, particular...
Exclusively found along large, fast-flowing lowland rivers, preferring stretches with exposed rocky islets, sandbars, and low scrub. Requires open areas near water for foraging and nesting.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates, including aquatic insects and their larvae, as well as small crustaceans, captured while foraging along the water's edge or in short flights.
A diurnal species, the Mekong Wagtail exhibits characteristic ground-foraging behavior, constantly wagging its tail up and down while patrolling riverbanks and sandbars. It primarily forages by walking rapidly, darting to snatch insects from the ground or making short aerial sallies to catch flyi...
The Mekong Wagtail is a highly localized species, endemic to the lower Mekong River basin in Southeast Asia. Its primary breeding and year-round range is concentrated along specific stretches of the Mekong River in northern and eastern Cambodia, particularly around Stung Treng and Kratie province...
Near Threatened
- The Mekong Wagtail was only scientifically described in 1997, making it one of the most recent avian discoveries in mainland Asia. - It is endemic to a very specific stretch of the Mekong River basin, found almost nowhere else on Earth. - Its scientific name, *samveasnae*, honors Sam Veasna, a ...