Grey Wagtail

The Grey Wagtail, Motacilla cinerea, is a slender bird of the wagtail family, Motacillidae, with an overall length of approximately 18–19 cm. It bears a resemblance to the Yellow Wagtail but is distinguished by the yellow on its underside being confined to the throat and vent. The male, during the breeding season, is characterized by a striking black throat.

Identification Tips

This species can be identified by its narrow white supercilium and a broken eye ring. The upperparts are a soft grey, while the underparts are predominantly whitish, with a contrasting yellow vent. Breeding males are notable for their black throats bordered by whitish moustachial stripes.

Habitat

The Grey Wagtail is invariably found in association with running water during the breeding season. It may nest in natural settings or utilize man-made structures close to streams. Outside of breeding times, it can also be observed around lakes, coasts, and other watery environments.

Distribution

The Grey Wagtail has a wide distribution across Eurosiberia, with several populations breeding in this region and migrating to tropical areas in Asia and Africa. Subspecies are found in the Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands, and from western Europe to central, east, and northeast Asia.

Behaviour

These birds exhibit the characteristic wagtail behavior of tail-wagging and often fly low with undulating movements. They are known to forage either alone or in pairs, utilizing meadows, shallow water marshes, and rocks within water bodies. They may also perch in trees.

Song & Calls

The Grey Wagtail has a sharp call, typically emitted in flight. Its song is composed of trills, and during display flights, the male produces a rapid series of high-pitched chipping notes.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from April to July, with nests placed near fast-flowing streams or rivers, often between stones and roots. The clutch usually consists of 3–6 speckled eggs, and the species is capable of raising multiple broods in a season. The incubation period lasts about two weeks, with fledging occurring within a similar timeframe.

Similar Species

The Grey Wagtail may be confused with the Yellow Wagtail but can be differentiated by the restricted yellow coloring on its underside and the black throat of the breeding male.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists of various aquatic invertebrates, including flies, mayflies, beetles, crustaceans, and mollusks. They are often seen foraging along roadsides in winter.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Grey Wagtail as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face a significant risk of extinction.