Grey Wagtail

Grey Wagtail

The Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) is a small passerine bird in the wagtail family Motacillidae. It is a slender, long-tailed bird that measures 16-19 cm in length and weighs 15-22 g. The male Grey Wagtail has a grey upperpart, yellow underparts, a white supercilium, and a black crown. The female is similar but has a less distinct black crown. The juvenile Grey Wagtail has a mottled brown upperpart and a pale yellow underpart. The Grey Wagtail is native to much of Europe and western and central Asia. It is a common resident in parts of Britain and Ireland, and it can also be found in North Africa. The Grey Wagtail prefers fast-flowing streams and rivers with stony or gravelly bottoms, but it can also be found in ponds, lakes, and canals. In winter, it is often found in open country near habitation, such as farmland, gardens, and parks. The Grey Wagtail feeds mainly on invertebrates, such as insects, spiders, and mollusks, which it takes from stones in shallow water. It also feeds on small fish and tadpoles. The Grey Wagtail is an agile bird that can walk and run on the ground and swim in the water. It has a distinctive wagging tail that it uses to balance itself while foraging. The Grey Wagtail is a monogamous bird that breeds from April to July. The male performs a display flight to attract a mate, during which it flies up and down in front of the female while singing. The female builds a cup-shaped nest made of moss, grass, and leaves, which is usually located near water. The female lays 4-6 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for 12-14 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge after 14-16 days.

Grey Wagtail, passerine bird, wagtail family, Europe, Asia, North Africa, streams, rivers, invertebrates, monogamous, breeding

— Ryan Johnson