Pied Wagtail

Least Concern

Motacilla alba yarrellii

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With its distinctive black-and-white plumage, this lively little bird can often be spotted bobbing and wagging its tail along UK riverbanks and in town centres.

Visual Identification

Pied Wagtail

Pied Wagtail

Appearance

The Pied Wagtail is a striking, and distinctive black and white bird with a long tail and slender build. Males have a black crown, nape, and back, contrasting sharply with their white face and underparts. Their wings are black with white edges, creating a distinctive pattern in flight.

Females and juveniles have a grey back instead of black, with less contrast overall. In winter, both sexes develop a slightly duller plumage, with males showing some grey on the back.

The continental subspecies of the White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) pass through the UK each year on migration. These birds are very similar to the Pied Wagtail but have paler plumage with grey (not black) backs and flanks.

Size

Length

16.5cm to 19cm

Wingspan

25cm to 30cm

Weight

17g to 25g

Colours

Male Female

Primary Colour

Black White

Secondary Colour

Grey

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

Pied Wagtails are widely distributed across the British Isles and parts of western Europe. They inhabit a variety of open habitats, including farmland, urban areas, coastal regions, and wetlands. These adaptable birds are particularly common near water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and seaside locations.

During winter, many Pied Wagtails from northern regions move southward within the UK or to continental Europe. They become more concentrated in urban areas, forming large communal roosts on buildings or trees in town centres.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 1,700 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subarctic

Distribution Map

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Resident

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 30
Adaptability 90
Aggressiveness 65
Endurance 70

Diet

Pied Wagtails primarily feed on small insects and invertebrates, including flies, beetles, and spiders. They forage on the ground, often near water or on lawns, using their quick movements to catch prey. They are also adept at catching flying insects out of the air

In urban areas, they may also scavenge for food scraps, adapting well to human-modified environments. They will also take berries when food is scarce, particularly during colder months.

Behaviour

Pied Wagtails are known for their characteristic tail-wagging behaviour, often seen while foraging on the ground. They have a distinctive bouncing flight pattern and are highly active, constantly moving and searching for food.

These birds are often gregarious, forming large roosting flocks in urban areas during winter months.

Vocalisation

Pied Wagtails have a distinctive, sharp call often described as a double note 'chis-ick' or 'zit-zit'. This call is frequently heard during flight.

Though less common, their song is a series of twittering notes and trills, often delivered from a high perch during the breeding season.

Nesting & Breeding

Pied Wagtails typically breed from April to August in the UK. Males perform aerial displays and chase females during courtship. Pairs often remain together for multiple breeding seasons.

Nests are built in cavities or crevices in buildings, walls, or riverbanks, using grass, moss, and leaves lined with hair or feathers. Females lay 3-7 eggs, which are blueish-white or greyish-white with grey or brown speckles.

Both parents incubate the eggs for about 14 days. Chicks fledge after 13-16 days but continue to be fed by parents for up to two weeks after leaving the nest.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 2 - 7 years
Max Recorded Lifespan 13 years [1]
0
4
8
11
15

years

The Pied Wagtail typically lives for 2 to 7 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 13 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 [2]

While the Pied Wagtail is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces challenges from habitat loss and climate change. Urban development and changes in agricultural practices can impact their breeding and foraging habitats.

Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable habitats and monitoring population trends.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

1,000,000 mature individuals (UK Breeding) [3]

Global Population Trend

Stable[4]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for Pied Wagtails in open areas near water, such as riverbanks, lake shores, golf courses, and coastal regions
  • Observe their distinctive tail-wagging behaviour when foraging on the ground
  • They are fast-running birds that can easily see and catch insects
  • Listen for their sharp, two-note 'chis-ick' call, which they often make in flight
  • In the UK, watch for large roosting flocks in urban areas during winter evenings

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

White Wagtail (subspecies)

Family:

Motacillidae

Predators

Main predators of Pied Wagtails include domestic cats, sparrowhawks, and other birds of prey. Ground-nesting pairs may also face threats from foxes and rodents.

Did You Know?

  1. Pied Wagtails can form massive winter roosts, sometimes numbering over 4,000 birds in a single urban location.
  2. They are known to use their reflection in windows or car mirrors to help preen hard-to-reach feathers.
  3. Pied Wagtails are highly territorial during breeding season, fiercely defending their nesting sites from intruders.

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FAQs

What is the difference between a Pied Wagtail and a White Wagtail?

All Pied Wagtails are White Wagtails, although the opposite is not true. While this may sound like a riddle, the simple answer is that Pied Wagtails are merely a ‘type’ of White Wagtail that is native to the UK.

Read on for a slightly more technical explanation.

The White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) has been split into at least ten different subspecies, each separated by physical differences and range differences.

The local Pied Wagtail is one of the White Wagtail subspecies and is characterised by darker plumage and its range on the British Isles.

How to attract Pied Wagtails

Pied Wagtails favour open habitats near water, making gardens with larger lawns and ponds or other water features especially attractive. These birds will also feed on breadcrumbs, cheese and mealworms sprinkled on the ground.

Are Pied Wagtails good luck?

The Pied Wagtail features in Roman Mythology as a symbol of good fortune. Whether you are superstitious or not, we can all agree that these are lovely birds to have around!

References

  1. 1

    website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds

    View source
  2. 2

    website: BirdLife International. 2019. Motacilla alba. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22718348A137417893.

    View source
  3. 3

    website, 2016: BTO

    View source
  4. 4

    report, 2015: EBCC