Grey Wagtail

The grey wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) is a wagtail that breeds across parts of Europe and Asia and is partially migratory, wintering in southern Europe, Africa, and South Asia. It is distinguishable by its long tail and distinctive yellow underparts, which contrast sharply with its grey back and wings. Adults have a fine black bill, with males showcasing a black throat during the breeding season, which is absent in females. This species measures about 17-20 cm (6.7-7.9 in) in length, including its long, constantly wagging tail. The grey wagtail can be confused with the western yellow wagtail (Motacilla flava) and the eastern yellow wagtail (Motacilla tschutschensis), but it can be distinguished by its slate-grey back, as opposed to the green or yellow of its relatives.

Grey wagtails favor habitats near water, such as riverbanks, streams, and lakes, often in or near forests. They are adept at navigating the rocky outcrops of fast-flowing waters, where they feed primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. Their feeding strategy involves darting from rocks or the ground to catch flying insects and picking invertebrates from the water’s surface or underneath rocks.

This species exhibits a mix of resident and migratory behavior. While some populations in the warmer parts of its range may be sedentary, such as in Western Europe and the British Isles, northern and eastern populations migrate southwards to escape the cold winter. Migration starts in August and September and it returns north around April.

The breeding season begins in late April or May. Grey wagtails are monogamous and nest in cavities near or over water, including banks, walls, bridges, and buildings. The nest is a compact cup lined with hair and moss. Females lay 3 to 6 speckled eggs, which are incubated for about 12-14 days. Chicks fledge 13-15 days after hatching but are dependent on their parents for a further 2-3 weeks. They typically raise one or two broods per year.

The grey wagtail is listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating it is not currently at significant risk of extinction. However, like many species, it faces threats from habitat degradation and pollution, which can impact food availability and breeding sites.