Weighing less than an ounce, the restless Willy Wagtail of Australia is a tough little customer that is not afraid to take on a larger bird -- including a trespassing raven or Wedge-tailed Eagle.  White eyebrows expand when the bird is angry, and the Wagtail has even been known to attack dogs and cats.  The nests are distinctive cups bound outside with spider webs and lined inside with fur sometimes stolen from living animals.  At night, it will serenade the full moon.

Like all members of Superfamily Corvoidea (which includes crows), this bird is intelligent and adaptable.  Its tendency to hang around people makes it sometimes appear to be eavesdropping on conversation -- hence the aboriginal nickname "stealer of secrets," and the more recent "Sheperd's Companion."  The Willy Wagtail is still inventing new ways of interacting with modern humans, as indicated in this recent E-Mail to BirdMinds.com.

Our appreciation to David Satterthwaite for volunteering the observation, and a tip of the hat to clinton1550 for this picture taken in Perth, Australia.