White Wagtail

A small, dapper bird and a familiar sight across Europe. It has black, white, and grey plumage. Its long tail pumps up and down almost constantly. It is an adaptable bird found in mountain streams and city parking lots. It is a resident in the west. Northern populations migrate to Africa for the winter.

Wagtails are energetic ground-feeders. They run rapidly across paved areas to snap up insects. Their flight is deeply undulating. In winter, they often form large communal roosts in city centers to stay warm. They are bold birds. They often nest in crevices in buildings, stone walls, or ivy.