© Photo by Chris Gomersall/2020VISION Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Yellow wagtails have much shorter tails than the other two species of breeding wagtail in the UK. © Photo by Chris Gomersall/2020VISION Yellow wagtails like damp marshes, meadows and riverbanks and spend much of their time walking and running about on the ground chasing insects disturbed by the feet of domestic animals. They nest on the ground or in long grass, using plants, grasses and stems to build a cup-shape which they line with fur. They can have up to two broods, each with five or six eggs. A summer visitor, they arrive from their African wintering grounds from March onward. How to Identify Yellow wagtails are olivey-green above and yellow below with a yellow face and a black and white tail. Males are brighter than females. The similar grey wagtail also has a yellow belly but has a grey back and black wings, a longer tail and is a bird of riverbanks rather than wet meadows. Where to Find Widespread in the lowlands. How People Can Help Since the 1980s the yellow wagtail has been in decline, possibly suffering up to an 80% loss in numbers. This decline is due to the loss and fragmentation of its breeding and feeding habitats caused by human activities. The Wildlife Trusts are working closely with farmers and landowners to promote wildlife-friendly practices. We are working towards a ‘Living Landscape’: a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust. Did you know? Eight different subspecies of yellow wagtail can be found in Europe, differing in the colour of the males’ heads. For example, in France and Germany you will find the blue-headed wagtail, in Italy the grey-headed wagtail and in Finland the ashy-headed wagtail. Key FactsLength: 17cmWingspan: 25cmWeight: 18gAverage lifespan: 3 years Donate Donate to help support Yellow 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 Grey Wagtail 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 Yellowhammer Birds