Willie Wagtail

Song & Calls

Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus)

Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys)

The Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys) [sometimes spelled Willy Wagtail] is a common songbird found throughout Australia, as well as in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and some islands in eastern Indonesia. It can be found in a variety of habitats including woodlands, grasslands, wetlands as well as parks and gardens in urban areas.

The song of this species is a familiar sound of the Australian bush – a pleasant series of squeaky whistled notes which has been described as the “sweet pretty creature” song. They also make a harsh scratchy call, often when alarmed. The subspecies found in PNG, the Solomons and Indonesia have vocalizations that are slightly different to those heard in Australia.

Willie Wagtails often sing at night, especially in the breeding season and on moonlit nights.

Listen to Willie Wagtail Sounds

The audio in the following video is an example of nocturnal song. Willie Wagtails often sing through the night, especially in spring and summer and on moonlit nights. Recorded in Wollemi National Park, New South Wales.