© Photo by Ian Rose Grey Wagtail Motacilla Cinerea Grey wagtails are common birds of fast-flowing rivers; their greatest densities are in the hills of England, Scotland and Wales. © Photo by Tom Marshall 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 Widespread, although least common in the lowlands of East Anglia and south-east England. How People Can 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. 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. Key FactsLength: 18-19cmWingspan: 26cmWeight: 18gAverage lifespan: 3 years Donate Donate to help support Grey Wagtails and other wildlife. Donate Similar Species Barn Owl Birds Black-Headed Gull Birds Blackbird Birds Blackcap Birds Blue Tit Birds Bullfinch Birds Buzzard Birds Canada Goose Birds Carrion Crow Birds Chaffinch Birds Chiffchaff Birds Coal Tit Birds Collared Dove Birds Coot Birds Crossbill Birds Cuckoo Birds Curlew Birds Dipper Birds Dunnock Birds Fieldfare Birds Goldcrest Birds Golden Plover Birds Goldfinch Birds Goosander Birds Great Crested Grebe Birds Great Spotted Woodpecker Birds Great Tit Birds Greenfinch Birds Grey Heron Birds Hen Harrier Birds Herring Gull Birds Hobby Birds House Martin Birds House Sparrow Birds Jackdaw Birds Jay Birds Kestrel Birds Kingfisher Birds Lapwing Birds Lesser Redpoll Birds Linnet Birds Little Egret Birds Little Grebe Birds Little Owl Birds Little Ringed Plover Birds Long-Eared Owl Birds Long-Tailed Tit Birds Magpie Birds Mallard Birds Mandarin Duck Birds Marsh Harrier Birds Meadow Pipit Birds Merlin Birds Mistle Thrush Birds Moorhen Birds Nightjar Birds Nuthatch Birds Osprey Birds Oystercatcher Birds Peregrine falcon Birds Pied Wagtail Birds Raven Birds Red Grouse Birds Red Kite Birds Redstart Birds Redwing Birds Reed Bunting Birds Reed Warbler Birds Ringed Plover Birds Robin Birds Rock Pipit Birds Rook Birds Sedge Warbler Birds Short-Eared Owl Birds Siskin Birds Skylark Birds Snipe Birds Song Thrush Birds Sparrowhawk Birds Spotted Flycatcher Birds Starling Birds Stonechat Birds Swallow Birds Swift Birds Tawny owl Birds Teal Birds Tree Sparrow Birds Treecreeper Birds Tufted Duck Birds Water Rail Birds Waxwing Birds Wheatear Birds Whimbrel Birds Whinchat Birds Whitethroat Birds Wigeon Birds Willow Warbler Birds Wood Pigeon Birds Wood Warbler Birds Woodcock Birds Wren Birds Yellow Wagtail Birds Yellowhammer Birds