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Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player. Latin nameMotacilla flava FamilyPipits and wagtails (Motacillidae) OverviewThe yellow wagtail is a small graceful yellow and green bird, with a medium-length tail, and slender black legs. It spends much time walking or running on the ground. As its name implies, it wags its tail from time to time. It is a summer visitor, migrating to winter in Africa. It appears to have been in decline since at least the 1980s, most likely due to loss of habitat for breeding and feeding, making it an Amber List species. Where to see themSuitable habitat in central and eastern England, eastern Wales and southern Scotland. A good place to look is lowland grassland where cattle are being grazed. When to see themLate March to September What they eatSmall insects, including flies and beetles. Estimated numbers
* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn. Distribution
Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations. Find out moreAudio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100) |
 Male - breeding plumage  Female Similar birdsHelp the Yellow wagtailJoin today and help us continue our conservation work to keep these birds safe. |
Cattle grazing grassland at RSPB Nene Washes - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: 5012341_00003_009)
Male yellow wagtail singing - Steve Round
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)