Grey Wagtail

Motacilla cinerea

Genus · Wagtails Family · Wagtails and Pipits
Observation tips Difficulty: MODERATE
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
River rocksBridgesWater edges

Look for a wagtail with a very long tail near moving water. If it has a grey back and a yellow belly, it is a Grey Wagtail.

Grey Wagtail

♂ Male · ♀ Female

Stats
Wingspan25–27 cm
Weight14–22 g
Length17–20 cm
Lifespan wild3–10 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typeCavity
Clutch size4–6 eggs
Incubation12–14 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
LC
Least Concern (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationPartial migratory
Social BehaviourSolitary

Diet: Insectivore

🦀Crustaceans
🦗Insects
🕷️Spiders

Habitat

🏞️ River
✦ Fun Fact

The Grey Wagtail has the longest tail of any European wagtail. Although all wagtails wag their tails, the exact purpose of this behaviour is still not fully understood.

About

An elegant bird associated with fast-flowing streams and rivers. Despite its name, it often has more yellow on its underparts than the 'Yellow Wagtail'. It has a slate-grey back and a bright lemon-yellow belly. It is a resident in much of Europe. It is often found near weirs, waterfalls, and urban canals.

Behaviour

The Grey Wagtail pumps its tail vigorously up and down while perched, more so than other wagtail species. It is an active insectivore and darts over the water to catch flies. Its flight is fast and undulating. They nest in crevices near water, such as under bridges or behind waterfalls.

Sexual Dimorphism

♂ Male

In breeding plumage, the male has a striking jet-black throat patch. His underparts are very bright yellow. In winter, the throat becomes white.

♀ Female

Lacks the solid black throat of the male. She usually has a pale throat with some dark spots. Her yellow underparts are less intense.

Similar species

Western Yellow Wagtail
🐦
Western Yellow Wagtail
Motacilla flava
White Wagtail
🐦
White Wagtail
Motacilla alba
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