About the Grey Wagtail
The grey wagtail is a member of the wagtail family, Motacillidae, measuring around 18–19 cm overall length. The species looks somewhat similar to the yellow wagtail but has the yellow on its underside restricted to the throat and vent. Breeding males have a black throat. The species is widely distributed, with several populations breeding in Eurosiberia and migrating to tropical regions in Asia and Africa. The species is always associated with running water when breeding, although they may use man-made structures near streams for the nest. Outside the breeding season, they may also be seen around lakes, coasts and other watery habitats. Like other wagtails, they frequently wag their tail…
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
This slim wagtail has a narrow white supercilium and a broken eye ring. The upperparts are grey and the yellow vent contrasting with whitish underparts makes it distinctive. The breeding male has a black throat that is edged by whitish moustachial stripes. They forage singly or in pairs on meadows or on shallow water marshes. They also use rocks in water and will often perch on trees. They have a clear sharp call note and the song consists of trills.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Grey Wagtail sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, Zimbabwe, San Marino, Northern Mariana Islands.
When to see it
Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Western Yellow WagtailMotacilla flavaThe western yellow wagtail is a small passerine bird in the wagtail family Motacillidae, which also includes the pipits and longclaws.
Cape WagtailMotacilla capensisThe Cape wagtail has a dull plumage and a relatively short tail, with olive grey breast and face, with a tan supercilium and dark lores.
White-browed WagtailMotacilla maderaspatensisThe white-browed wagtail is the largest species of wagtail at 21 cm (8.3 in) length.
Side by side: Grey Wagtail vs White Wagtail · Cape Wagtail vs Grey Wagtail · Grey Wagtail vs White-browed Wagtail
Learn the Grey Wagtail for real
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