Convervation status: Red 1 video 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 breeds in a variety of habitats in the UK, including arable farmland, wet pastures and upland hay meadows. Serious declines in breeding numbers accross all of these habitats place the yellow wagtail on the red list of birds of conservation concern. 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| Europe | UK breeding* | UK wintering* | UK passage* |
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| - | 11,500-26,500 territories | - | - |
* 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. Audio 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) | Print page  Yellow wagtail male  Yellow wagtail female Similar birdsHelp the Yellow wagtailAt Hope Farm, the RSPB is developing farming techniques that will benefit wildlife Give a gift to Hope Farm |