- Wildlife
- Birds
- Larks, sparrows, wagtails and dunnock
- Grey Wagtail
Amy Lewis
About
Grey wagtails are common birds of fast-flowing rivers; their greatest densities are in the hills of England, Scotland and Wales. In winter they move to lowland areas and can be spotted in farmyards and even in towns. Grey wagtails eat insects like ants and midges which they find beside rivers and snails and tadpoles in shallow water. They nest near the water in hollows and crevices lined with moss and twigs.
How to identify
Grey wagtails have a very long, black and white tail with a yellow rump and yellow belly. They are grey above with black wings. Males have a grey face with a black throat bib and a white 'moustache'. They can be distinguished from the similar yellow wagtail by the black bib (in males) and the grey back.
Where to find it
Widespread, although least common in the lowlands of East Anglia and south-east England.
Habitats
When to find it
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Novermber
- December
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
How can people help
Grey wagtails are badly affected by harsh winters and have shown a recent decline in number. As climate change takes hold it is likely that extreme weather events become more common, affecting wagtails and other species. The Wildlife Trusts are working with researchers, scientists and other conservationists to monitor changes in our wildlife in order to be able to react to the adverse effects of climate change. You can help: volunteer for your local Trust and you'll be able to monitor populations and survey habitats, adding to a growing bank of data on the effects of climate change.