A delightful small, long-tailed and rather sprightly black and white bird. When not standing and frantically wagging its tail up and down it can be seen dashing about over lawns or car parks in search of food. It frequently calls when in its undulating flight and often gathers at dusk to form large roosts in city centres.
Key ID Features:
This very black and white bird is a familiar sight in towns and on rooves.
The UK form (yarellii) is generally more contrasting and blacker with a whitish face (yellower in juveniles), white belly and wing steaks.
Often seen feeding on tarmac, rarely stationary with constant motion of the white edged dark tail.
The European mainland form, (White Wagtail-Motacilla alba alba) sometimes seen in UK, is generally greyer with more white white on the face.
Overview
Scientific name: Motacilla alba
Family: Pipits and wagtails (Motacillidae)
Where to see them:
They can be found across the UK, leaving some of the highland and northern areas of Scotland in winter. Best looked for near water and can be found in most habitats, even town centres. They gather together in large roosts, sometimes in towns, often assembling on roofs beforehand.
Seen in UK:
All year round.
What they eat
Insects.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
