Gray Wagtail
Gray Wagtail
40
14 hours ago
Points:
40
F
v
+20
Spotted by
The Grey Wagtail, scientific name Motacilla cinerea, is a graceful and distinctive passerine bird belonging to the Motacillidae family, known for its characteristic tail-wagging motion. This elegant species is easily recognized by its slender build, long tail, and vibrant yellow undertail coverts, making it a favorite among birdwatchers globally where it occurs. It is found across a wide geographical range spanning Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa.
Where to spot
This species primarily favors clear, fast-flowing rivers, streams, and brooks in hilly or mountainous terrain during the breeding season. You can often spot them near weirs, waterfalls, and stony riverbanks. In winter, they tend to move to lower altitudes and can be found along slower-moving rivers, canals, ponds, lakes, and even damp woodlands in more open country.
How to spot
Look for a slender bird constantly bobbing its long tail up and down as it forages along the water's edge. Its flight is undulating, and it often calls in flight. The call is a sharp, metallic 'tzip' or 'chiswick', which is often the first indication of its presence. Males in breeding plumage have a distinctive black throat. They are active during the day, searching for insects.
When to spot
Grey Wagtails are most active during daylight hours, particularly in the morning and late afternoon when foraging for food. Their breeding season typically runs from spring to mid-summer. Migratory populations can be observed during spring and autumn migration periods, while resident populations can be seen year-round in suitable habitats.
Where to spot
This species primarily favors clear, fast-flowing rivers, streams, and brooks in hilly or mountainous terrain during the breeding season. You can often spot them near weirs, waterfalls, and stony riverbanks. In winter, they tend to move to lower altitudes and can be found along slower-moving rivers, canals, ponds, lakes, and even damp woodlands in more open country.
How to spot
Look for a slender bird constantly bobbing its long tail up and down as it forages along the water's edge. Its flight is undulating, and it often calls in flight. The call is a sharp, metallic 'tzip' or 'chiswick', which is often the first indication of its presence. Males in breeding plumage have a distinctive black throat. They are active during the day, searching for insects.
When to spot
Grey Wagtails are most active during daylight hours, particularly in the morning and late afternoon when foraging for food. Their breeding season typically runs from spring to mid-summer. Migratory populations can be observed during spring and autumn migration periods, while resident populations can be seen year-round in suitable habitats.
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TheOtherKev
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DavidReed
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Takashi_Yanagisawa
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Takashi_Yanagisawa
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gb59098
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By Photo by Laitche, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=53337104
Despite its name, the Grey Wagtail has a strikingly bright yellow undertail and often a yellow wash on its belly, which contrasts beautifully with its slate-grey back.
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