Sam Veasna's Wagtail

Motacilla samveasnae

Sam Veasna's Wagtail (Motacilla samveasnae) is a small passerine bird found in the floodplain habitats of the Mekong River in Cambodia. It is characterized by its striking black and white plumage, with a black throat and breast, and white belly and undertail coverts. This wagtail is known for its distinctive tail-wagging behavior, often seen while foraging for insects along the riverbanks. It prefers open areas with shallow water and sandy or muddy substrates, where it can find its prey. The species is named after Sam Veasna, a renowned Cambodian bird guide and conservationist who dedicated his life to protecting Cambodia's avian biodiversity.

Habitat: Floodplain habitats of the Mekong River