The grey wagtail is a common bird of fast-flowing rivers and can be found in high densities 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 ants and midges that they find beside rivers, and snails and tadpoles they find in shallow water. They nest near the water in hollows and crevices lined with moss and twigs.
How to identify
The grey wagtail has a very long, black-and-white tail, a yellow rump and a yellow belly. It is grey above with black wings. Males have a grey face with a black throat bib and a white 'moustache'. The similar yellow wagtail has a shorter tail and an olive-green back, and does not have a black bib.
Did you know?
Once much more restricted to the fast-flowing rivers of the uplands, the grey wagtail has been able to expand its range due to improving water quality in many of our rivers in recent decades. It can now be found nesting in most parts of the country.
