Pied Wagtail
Motacilla alba yarrellii
Visual Identification
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
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
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Pied Wagtail. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Pied Wagtail demonstrates remarkable agility with its quick, bouncing movements and distinctive tail-wagging behaviour. Its ability to catch small insects on the wing and navigate varied terrains showcases its nimble nature.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small bird weighing between 17-25 grams, the Pied Wagtail has limited strength. However, it possesses sufficient power for its size to perform aerial displays and defend its territory during breeding season.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Pied Wagtails exhibit exceptional adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats from urban areas to farmlands and coastal regions. Their ability to form large winter roosts in cities and adapt their diet to include human food scraps demonstrates remarkable flexibility.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While generally not aggressive towards humans, Pied Wagtails display considerable territorial behaviour during breeding season, fiercely defending their nesting sites. This, combined with their boldness in urban environments, suggests a moderate level of aggression.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Pied Wagtail's endurance is evidenced by its active foraging behaviour, constant movement, and ability to undertake partial migrations. Their capacity to form large roosting flocks and survive in various climates also indicates good stamina for their size.
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.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
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:
MotacillidaeAverage Lifespan
2 to 7 years
Max Lifespan
13 years [4]
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?
- Pied Wagtails can form massive winter roosts, sometimes numbering over 4,000 birds in a single urban location.
- They are known to use their reflection in windows or car mirrors to help preen hard-to-reach feathers.
- Pied Wagtails are highly territorial during breeding season, fiercely defending their nesting sites from intruders.
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
- 4
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source - 1
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Motacilla alba. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22718348A137417893.
View source - 2
website, 2016: BTO
View source - 3
report, 2015: EBCC
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