Grey WagtailMotacilla cinereaWhere and when to see them

The Grey Wagtail is a slender, long-tailed bird closely associated with freshwater. Despite its name, it has conspicuous yellow plumage beneath its grey upperparts. It occurs across much of Europe and Asia, with populations also present in northwestern Africa. In both the Douro and Saône regions, suitable streams, tributaries and riverside structures can provide habitat. Its presence depends more on local feeding and nesting conditions than on the size of the river.

Size

17–20 cm long, including the long tail.

Weight

14–22 g.

Lifespan

Usually a few years in the wild, although some individuals live considerably longer.

Status

Least Concern globally (IUCN).

Grey Wagtails walk and run along the water’s edge, repeatedly bobbing their long tails. They pick prey from wet stones, shallow margins and exposed banks. They also make short flights to catch insects above the water. Their flight is typically undulating and is often accompanied by a sharp, high-pitched call. Breeding pairs defend territories along suitable stretches of water. Nests are tucked into sheltered crevices in banks, rocks, walls or structures such as bridges. Outside the breeding season, birds may move downhill or spread into a wider variety of wet habitats. Northern populations are more migratory, while many birds in western and southern Europe remain closer to their breeding areas.

• Its scientific name, cinerea, refers to its ash-grey colour.
• Its tail is proportionally longer than that of other European wagtails.
• Bridges and old riverside walls can provide nesting crevices.
• Winter birds may appear beside urban streams and drainage channels.

Wildlife opportunities depend on the river reach, water levels and species. River-specific viewing months have not been confirmed; general species seasons are not a local sighting forecast.

During the breeding season, this species particularly favours flowing water with exposed stones, shallow feeding areas and sheltered nest sites. Rocky streams and tributaries are often more suitable than broad, deep river channels. In the Douro region, tributary valleys and rocky watercourses can offer appropriate habitat. Along the Saône, tributary mouths, weirs and nearby streams may provide better conditions than uniform stretches of the main river. Outside the breeding season, Grey Wagtails also use canals, pond edges, drainage channels and other wet places.

The diet consists mainly of insects and other small invertebrates. Aquatic insect larvae and emerging adults, including flies, mayflies and caddisflies, are important prey. Grey Wagtails also take spiders and small crustaceans when available. Food is collected from surfaces or caught in short aerial sallies.

Common name

Grey Wagtail

Scientific name

Motacilla cinerea

Animal group

Birds

Size

17–20 cm long, including the long tail.

Weight

14–22 g.

Lifespan

Usually a few years in the wild, although some individuals live considerably longer.

Status

Least Concern globally (IUCN).

Identification

Look for a slim wagtail with grey upperparts, a very long black-and-white tail and yellow concentrated on the belly and undertail. Breeding males have a black throat bordered by white, while females usually have a paler or less extensively dark throat. Outside the breeding season, the throat is generally whitish, and young birds show more subdued yellow. Compared with a Yellow Wagtail, the Grey Wagtail has a longer tail, greyer upperparts and usually pale pinkish-brown rather than dark legs.