Bird
Grey Wagtail
Motacilla cinereaAlso known as Gray Wagtail
Grey Wagtails are slim streamside birds with gray upperparts, yellow at the vent and undertail coverts, and exceptionally long wagging tails; breeding males also show a black throat. They run over rocks beside flowing water, sally after insects, and nest in crevices along banks or structures.
stream birdwagging tailyellow vent
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyMayflies, caddisflies, midges
Predators
- sparrowhawks
- domestic cats
- corvids
ThreatsWater pollution, river engineering, loss of bank crevices, flooding of nests, and reduced insect abundance
HabitatsFast streams, rivers, canals, waterfalls, rocky lakeshores, and wet urban structures
Life spanOften a few years, though some individuals survive substantially longer
Classification
- FamilyMotacillidae
- SpeciesMotacilla cinerea
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Keep away from bank cavities and bridge ledges during breeding because concealed nests are easily disturbed.
Responsible observation
- Track: Follow the sharp flight call and look low over running water for an undulating flight.
- Observe: Stay on paths and watch from one place instead of following a feeding bird upstream.
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