Grey wagtail

The grey wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) is not as grey as its name suggests, and is in fact quite a colourful bird, to the extent of being easily confused with the yellow wagtail.

Distribution

The grey wagtail is found throughout Europe except for Scandinavia. In the United Kingdom it is found most frequently in the summer in the hilly regions of England, Wales and Scotland, next to fast-flowing streams, and in winter at lower levels in farmyards, watercress beds and the like.

Appearance

The grey wagtail is some 18-19 centimetres (7 inches) in length, being noticeable for its long tail which is about an inch longer than that of the yellow wagtail. Male grey wagtails are grey on the head and back but yellow on the rump, chest and underparts, fading to white on the flanks. Their wings are dark grey and they have a black throat. Female grey wagtails lack the black throat and have less yellow in their plumage. In winter the males lose the black on their throats and the yellow colouring on all grey wagtails is less pronounced. The tail, on both males and females, is black with white edging and the legs are flesh coloured.

Behaviour

Grey wagtails are more often seen on the ground than in flight, running along stream edges with tails wagging as they look for water beetles and insect larvae in the shallow water. They will also perch on boulders and overhanging trees. In winter they can be seen around farmyard and stable muckheaps, hunting for insects or taking flies on the wing. They are usually seen singly or in family groups, but roost gregariously in waterside trees.

The grey wagtail has a high metallic call and a trilling warble. A clip of these can he heard on the appropriate page of the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) website.

Breeding

Grey wagtails nest close to water, sometimes in holes in old bridges or walls. Five or six eggs are laid at any time between April and June, these being incubated by both partners for up to 14 days. Both parents also feed the young birds, for 12 or 13 days in the nest and for a short time after they have fledged. A second brood may be raised.

Conservation

Although grey wagtails have gradually increased their UK range over time, and are sometimes seen in urban as well as rural settings, their numbers can be badly affected by harsh winters and recent years have seen a decline. They are therefore classified on the red list of birds that are in danger of extinction in the UK.

© John Welford