|
|
| Grey Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea |
|
The Grey Wagtail is the largest of the three British wagtails and more colourful than its name suggests. Can be found across the UK, but winters mainly in Eastern England & summer visitor to northern Scotland. |
| Indentification |
| Adult Male |
The male Grey Wagtail has upperparts of grey with white eyebrows, black wings, yellow - green rump, black long tail with white edge. Its under parts are white with yellow under tail and a variable amount of yellow on the breast. In the summer the male has a prominent black bib. |
| Adult Female |
the female Grey Wagtail has less yellow on her under parts and no black bib. |
| Size |
18 - 20cm |
| Bill |
black, short & thin. |
| Legs |
pink medium in length |
| Habitat |
The Grey Wagtail is most closely associated with fast running streams, but can be found near waterfalls, weirs, lakes, reservoirs and even farmyards especially in winter. |
| Behaviour |
walks, perches openly, takes off and lands from vegetation and the ground. |
| Flocking |
|
| Flight |
undulating. |
| Voice |
metallic tzitzi, and warbles similar to the Blue Tit. |
| Breeding |
| Nest |
in crevices beside streams. |
| Eggs |
lays 4-6 eggs, buffy, mottled greyish. |
| Incubation period |
11 - 14 days |
| Fledgling |
17 days |
| Broods |
1; April - May. |
| Food |
insects, seeds & nuts |
| UK breeding pairs |
38,000 |
| Selection of popular products |
|
|
|
