About Motacilla flaviventris Hartlaub, 1860
Madagascar wagtail, formally named Motacilla flaviventris Hartlaub, 1860, is a large, elegant, slender wagtail. Adults have grey upperparts, a white breast, and a yellow belly, with a black band across the breast. Their long tail has a dark centre and white outer tail feathers, and they have a short white supercilium. Juveniles have a less conspicuous breast band and a fainter supercilium. This species measures 19 cm (7.5 in) in body length.
This wagtail is endemic to Madagascar, where it occurs across the whole island. It is common and widespread overall, and is most common in eastern Madagascar and on the central plateau. It is less numerous in the north and west of the island, and rare in the south.
It typically occurs around water, including rivers, lakes, and seashores, and also lives in open areas such as rice paddies and gardens. Its range spans from sea level up to 2,500 metres (8,200 ft) above sea level.
