The grey wagtail is more colourful than its name suggests with slate grey upper parts and distinctive lemon yellow under-tail. Its tail is noticeably longer than those of pied and yellow wagtails. They have gradually increased their range in the past 150 years and in the UK have expanded into the English lowlands from the northern and western uplands. They are badly affected by harsh winters, and because of recent moderate declines it is an Amber List species.
Key ID Features:
Long tail and slender appearance.
Slate grey above and lemon yellow underparts with paler, whitish flanks.
Male has black triangular chin path in summer.
In flight a greenish/yellow rump and long, broad white wing bars can be seen.
Overview
Scientific name: Motacilla cinerea
Family: Pipits and wagtails (Motacillidae)
Where to see them:
Found over most of the UK, with the exception of the Northern and western isles of Scotland. Likes fast flowing rivers in summer their greatest densities are in the hills of England, Scotland and Wales. In winter they can be seen around farmyards and lowland streams, even in city centres. Scarce in central and eastern England in summer and from upland areas in winter.
Seen in UK:
All year round.
What they eat
Insects.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
