A cheerful stream-side dancer, this slender bird bobs and weaves along riverbanks worldwide, flashing its vibrant yellow underparts.

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Grey Wagtail is a slender, long-tailed bird with a distinctive grey upper body and bright yellow underparts. Its tail is notably long, often bobbing up and down as it moves. The wings are dark with white bars, creating a striking contrast.

During the breeding season, males display a black bib, while females have paler throats and less vibrant yellow underparts. Juveniles resemble females but have buff-tinged plumage.

Size

Length

17cm to 20cm

Wingspan

25cm to 30cm

Weight

15g to 25g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Grey Yellow

Secondary Colour

White Black

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Pink

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

Grey Wagtails inhabit areas near fast-flowing water, including mountain streams, rivers, and waterfalls across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. They are also found in urban areas with suitable water features.

In the UK, they are widespread breeding birds, with some individuals moving to lowland areas in winter. During this season, they can be spotted in towns and cities near water bodies.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 4,100 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical

Distribution Map

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Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Passage
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85
Strength 40
Adaptability 75
Aggressiveness 35
Endurance 70

Diet

Grey Wagtails primarily feed on aquatic insects and their larvae, including mayflies, caddisflies, and midges. They also consume small molluscs, crustaceans, and occasionally small fish.

They find most of their food on the ground with a strategy that involves quick darts but may catch prey in shallow water, nearby vegetation or flight.

Behaviour

Grey Wagtails are known for their constant tail-wagging and rapid, darting movements along waterways. They often forage by walking along the water's edge, picking insects from the surface. These birds are generally solitary or found in pairs, becoming more gregarious during migration periods.

Vocalisation

The Grey Wagtail's call is a sharp, high-pitched 'zit-zit' or 'chis-sick'. During flight, they emit a softer 'sipp-sipp' sound. Their song, heard mainly in spring, is a series of sweet, tinkling notes interspersed with trills, often delivered from a prominent perch near water.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding season for Grey Wagtails typically begins in April. Males perform aerial displays and sing to attract mates. Pairs often form long-term bonds.

Nests are built in crevices near water, often on cliff faces or under bridges. The cup-shaped nest is made of moss, grass, and leaves, lined with hair or feathers. Females lay 3-6 white eggs with grey speckles.

Incubation lasts about 11-14 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 11-13 days but remain dependent on adults for another two weeks.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 2 - 5 years
0
2
4
5
7

years

The Grey Wagtail typically lives for 2 to 5 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

While listed as Least Concern globally, Grey Wagtail populations have declined in parts of Europe, including the UK. Factors include habitat loss, water pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts focus on improving water quality and protecting riparian habitats.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

6,900,000 - 19,800,000 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Stable[3]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for Grey Wagtails near fast-flowing streams and rivers
  • Listen for their sharp, metallic 'zit-zit' call
  • Observe their characteristic tail-wagging behaviour
  • In the UK, check bridges and weirs in urban areas during winter
  • Grey Wagtails are most easily confused with the Yellow Wagtail, a migratory species that visit the UK each spring and summer. That species has black (not pinkish) legs and a shorter tail. Breeding male Yellow Wagtails have completely yellow underparts and greenish upperparts, while females and juveniles have dull yellow and buff plumages, respectively.

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Gray Wagtail

Family:

Motacillidae

Predators

Main predators include domestic cats, sparrowhawks, and other birds of prey. Nests may be raided by corvids, rodents, and snakes.

Did You Know?

  1. Grey Wagtails can swim short distances, using their wings to propel themselves across water.
  2. They have been observed feeding on bread crumbs in urban areas during harsh winters.
  3. Some Grey Wagtails migrate as far as tropical Africa and southern Asia for the winter.

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References

  1. 1 2

    website: BirdLife International. 2017. Motacilla cinerea (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22718392A111215843.

    View source
  2. 3

    report, 2015: EBCC