The grey wagtail is a member of the wagtail family, Motacillidae, measuring around 18–19 cm overall length. The species looks somewhat similar to the yellow wagtail but has the yellow on its underside restricted to the throat and vent. Breeding males have a black throat. The species is widely distributed, with several populations breeding in Eurosiberia and migrating to tropical regions in Asia and Africa. The species is always associated with running water when breeding, although they may use man-made structures near streams for the nest. Outside the breeding season, they may also be seen around lakes, coasts and other watery habitats. Like other wagtails, they frequently wag their tail and fly low with undulations and they have a sharp call that is often given in flight.
Region
Europe, North Africa, and Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds across much of Europe and into temperate Asia, with many populations wintering in southern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Prefers habitats with running water such as rivers, streams, and mountain torrents featuring exposed stones, gravel bars, and bankside vegetation. Frequently uses human structures like weirs and bridges. In winter it also occurs around lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, irrigation canals, and urban rivers.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Grey wagtails are strongly associated with fast-flowing streams and rivers, often nesting under bridges, in crevices, or on ledges close to water. They constantly pump their long tails and fly low with undulating wingbeats. Outside the breeding season they may gather at communal roosts and use lakeshores, coasts, and urban waterways. Their presence can indicate good water quality because they feed heavily on aquatic insects.
Male M. c. melanope
Nominate race (Belgium)
Eggs, Collection Museum Wiesbaden
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
low, undulating flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically forms monogamous pairs in the breeding season, defending linear stretches of stream. Nests are placed close to water in crevices, banks, roots, or under bridges and other structures. Outside breeding, birds may be loosely gregarious and form communal roosts in sheltered vegetation or urban sites.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a light, hurried twitter delivered from a perch or in a brief song flight. The common call is a sharp, metallic ‘tsreep’ or ‘tsit’, often given in flight and carrying over running water.
Plumage
Slender, long-tailed wagtail with smooth grey upperparts and contrasting yellow under-tail and belly area; clean white outer tail feathers. Breeding males show a black throat; females and non-breeding birds have a whitish or grey throat. Wings are dark with pale edges and there is a neat white supercilium.
Diet
Feeds mainly on aquatic and aerial invertebrates, including midges, mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, and small beetles. Also takes small spiders and occasionally tiny crustaceans. Prey are picked from stones and banks or caught on the wing in short sallies above the water.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along stream margins, gravel bars, and spillways where insects emerge and accumulate. Often forages on exposed rocks and man-made structures such as weirs and sluices, and uses shallow edges for quick dashes after prey.
