Motacilla flava
Least Concern
Known for its vibrant yellow underparts and lively tail-wagging habit, the Yellow Wagtail is a charming small bird that can be found in open country across Europe and Asia. With its distinctive 'tsweep' call and acrobatic aerial displays, this long-distance migrant is a delightful sight, particularly in the springtime when it returns to its breeding grounds after wintering in Africa.
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
Olive Green, White
Olive Green, White
Olive Green, White
Olive Green
Olive Green
Olive Green
Thin
Black
Black
Black
Black
Black
Black
Yellow underparts, olive-greenish upperparts
Similar to male, but duller
Similar to adults, but duller
Long and constantly wagging
Long and constantly wagging
Long and wagging
15cm to 17cm
Length
25cm to 30cm
Wingspan
11g to 26g
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
The variant in the UK has a less dark head colour
Female Yellow Wagtail
Juvenile Yellow Wagtail
Close up of a Yellow Wagtail perched on a tulip
Distinctive 'tsweep' or 'tsli' call
Series of high-pitched notes, often repeated in flight
Sharp, short chirps signaling distress or alert
Active during the day, foraging for food in the morning and evening
Mostly solitary, but forms pairs during breeding season
Defends nesting territories, especially during mating season
Undertakes annual long-distance migration between breeding and wintering grounds
Occasionally interacts with other bird species, particularly in feeding areas
Insects, Worms
Catches prey on the ground, often following livestock to catch disturbed insects
Throughout the day, peaking at dawn and dusk
Ground foraging and aerial catching
Varies with location, season, and prey availability
None known
On the ground, often in grassy or cultivated fields
Small cup of grass and plant material, lined with hair and feathers
Late spring to early summer
One or two
Pale grey or buff sometimes with dark spots
Approximately 2cm x 1.5cm
4-6 eggs
Around 13 days
Approximately 2 weeks
Both parents incubate eggs and feed chicks
Breeds across Europe and Asia, winters in Africa
Open country, often near water. Cultivated fields, meadows, marshes
Sea level to 4500m
Undertakes annual long-distance migration between breeding and wintering grounds
Grassland, Wetland
Temperate, Tropical
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.
Resident or Present
Breeding
Non-breeding
Passage
Vagrant
3
5
4 year(s)
1 year(s)
1 year(s)
Monogamous, often returning to same breeding site each year
Changes in plumage brightness with age
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
Habitat loss due to agricultural intensification
Protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Overall population decreasing due to habitat loss
Other names:
Blue-headed Wagtail, Grey-headed Wagtail
Family:
MotacillidaePopulation size:
60000000-109999999
Population trend:
Decreasing
Conservation status:
Least Concern
IUCN Red List
Brighten up your inbox with our exclusive newsletter, enjoyed by thousands of people from around the world.
Your information will be used in accordance with Birdfact's privacy policy. You may opt out at any time.
© 2024 - Birdfact. All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission.
