Species Profile
Grey Wagtail
Motacilla cinerea
Grey Wagtail
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
2–5 years
Length
17–20 cm
Weight
15–25 g
Wingspan
25–30 cm
Migration
Partial migrant
Also known as: Gray Wagtail
Think you've spotted a Grey Wagtail?
Upload a photo and our AI will confirm it instantly
Confirm with a PhotoGallery
Appearance
The Grey Wagtail is a slender, long-tailed bird with a distinctive grey upper body and bright yellow underparts. Its tail is notably long, often bobbing up and down as it moves. The wings are dark with white bars, creating a striking contrast.
During the breeding season, males display a black bib, while females have paler throats and less vibrant yellow underparts. Juveniles resemble females but have buff-tinged plumage.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Grey
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Pink
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Grey Wagtails inhabit areas near fast-flowing water, including mountain streams, rivers, and waterfalls across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. They are also found in urban areas with suitable water features.
In the UK, they are widespread breeding birds, with some individuals moving to lowland areas in winter. During this season, they can be spotted in towns and cities near water bodies.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
United Kingdom
Wales
England
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Cambridgeshire
Rutland
Bedfordshire
Buckinghamshire
Berkshire
Bristol
Cheshire
Cornwall
Cumbria
Derbyshire
Devon
Dorset
Durham
East Riding of Yorkshire
Essex
East Sussex
Gloucestershire
Hampshire
Herefordshire
Hertfordshire
Isle of Wight
Kent
Merseyside
Lancashire
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
London
Manchester
Northumberland
Norfolk
Northamptonshire
Nottinghamshire
North Yorkshire
Oxfordshire
South Yorkshire
Tyne and Wear
West Midlands
Suffolk
Shropshire
Somerset
Surrey
Staffordshire
Warwickshire
Wiltshire
West Yorkshire
Worcestershire
West Sussex
Diet
Grey Wagtails primarily feed on aquatic insects and their larvae, including mayflies, caddisflies, and midges. They also consume small molluscs, crustaceans, and occasionally small fish.
They find most of their food on the ground with a strategy that involves quick darts but may catch prey in shallow water, nearby vegetation or flight.
Behaviour
Grey Wagtails are known for their constant tail-wagging and rapid, darting movements along waterways. They often forage by walking along the water's edge, picking insects from the surface. These birds are generally solitary or found in pairs, becoming more gregarious during migration periods.
Calls & Sounds
The Grey Wagtail's call is a sharp, high-pitched 'zit-zit' or 'chis-sick'. During flight, they emit a softer 'sipp-sipp' sound. Their song, heard mainly in spring, is a series of sweet, tinkling notes interspersed with trills, often delivered from a prominent perch near water.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Grey Wagtails typically begins in April. Males perform aerial displays and sing to attract mates. Pairs often form long-term bonds.
Nests are built in crevices near water, often on cliff faces or under bridges. The cup-shaped nest is made of moss, grass, and leaves, lined with hair or feathers. Females lay 3-6 white eggs with grey speckles.
Incubation lasts about 11-14 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 11-13 days but remain dependent on adults for another two weeks.
Conservation
While listed as Least Concern globally, Grey Wagtail populations have declined in parts of Europe, including the UK. Factors include habitat loss, water pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts focus on improving water quality and protecting riparian habitats.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Grey Wagtails near fast-flowing streams and rivers
- Listen for their sharp, metallic 'zit-zit' call
- Observe their characteristic tail-wagging behaviour
- In the UK, check bridges and weirs in urban areas during winter
- Grey Wagtails are most easily confused with the Yellow Wagtail, a migratory species that visit the UK each spring and summer. That species has black (not pinkish) legs and a shorter tail. Breeding male Yellow Wagtails have completely yellow underparts and greenish upperparts, while females and juveniles have dull yellow and buff plumages, respectively.
Did You Know?
- Grey Wagtails can swim short distances, using their wings to propel themselves across water.
- They have been observed feeding on bread crumbs in urban areas during harsh winters.
- Some Grey Wagtails migrate as far as tropical Africa and southern Asia for the winter.
Community Photos
Be the first to share a photo of the Grey Wagtail
Upload a PhotoSimilar Species
Related Articles
Identify Any Bird Instantly
- Upload a photo from your phone or camera
- Get an instant AI identification
- Ask follow-up questions about the bird
Monthly Birds in Your Area
- Personalised for your location
- Seasonal tips and garden advice
- Updated every month with new species