Pied wagtail

The pied wagtail is a familiar British bird that is not shy of people and can often be seen hopping about on lawns, bowling greens, etc.

Appearance

The pied wagtail (Motacilla alba) is about 18 centimetres (7 inches) long, including the long tail, the constant up-and-down wagging of which gives the bird its name. As might also be expected from its name, the pied wagtail is mostly black and white, although the back is grey (with females having more grey plumage than males). There is a subspecies of Motacilla alba with the name Motacilla alba yarrelli, which has a much darker grey back. The top of the head, throat and chest are black, in both species, with the face and underparts being white. The wings are striped black and white.

Distribution and habitat

Pied wagtails are resident throughout most of the British Isles, although they tend to leave upland areas in winter. The species has “green” status, which means that it is not regarded as being under threat in the United Kingdom.

Apart from bowling greens and other lawns, pied wagtails are found on farmland and in towns. Their natural habitat is near brooks or ponds, although their food is not predominantly found in water. They are also commonly found near where livestock are kept, as this is also where many flying insects are also likely to be available as food. In towns they often form large roosts in trees.

Behaviour and breeding

Pied wagtails tend to run a few paces, stop and look around with tail wagging, then either pick some food from the ground or run on again. Their flights are brief and undulating, often calling as they go in a high-pitched trill. The call can be heard on the appropriate page of the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection ofBirds) website.

During the nesting season, which is from April to July, pied wagtails become very territorial, with pairs chasing off any intruding birds. However, should danger threaten, such as in the form of a sparrowhawk, all the local birds will forget their differences to present a united front.

Breeding

Nests are often built in crevices in walls or among rocks, but other places can include tangled ivy or rough places in thatched roofs. The clutch is five or six eggs which are incubated for up to 14 days by the female bird alone. Both birds feed the young, for up to 15 days. As mentioned above, the food includes insects as well as seeds, and larvae and molluscs that may be found near water. The parents may raise two or three broods during the season.

© John Welford