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  • Pied wagtail

Pied wagtail

Pied wagtail (adult)
Pied wagtail (adult)
Pied wagtail (juvenile)
Pied wagtail (juvenile)
  • Scientific name: Motacilla alba
  • Bird family: Pipits and wagtails
  • UK conservation status: Green
  • Protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Audio

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Tomas Belka, Xeno-canto

Key information

The pied wagtail is a delightful small, long-tailed and rather sprightly black and white bird. When not standing and frantically wagging its tail up and down it can be seen dashing about over lawns or car parks in search of food.

It frequently calls when in its undulating flight and often gathers at dusk to form large roosts in city centres.

What they eat:

Insects.

Measurements:

Length:
18cm
Wingspan:
25-30cm
Weight:
17-25g

Population:

UK breeding:
470,000 pairs

Identifying features:

This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.

Pied wagtail (adult)

Adult pied wagtail
Feather colour: Black Cream/buff Grey White
Beak: Black Short Thin
Natural habitats: Farmland Grassland Marine and intertidal Urban and suburban Wetland

Pied wagtail (juvenile)

Juvenile pied wagtail
Feather colour: Black Cream/buff Grey White Yellow
Beak: Black Short Thin
Natural habitats: Farmland Grassland Marine and intertidal Urban and suburban Wetland

Where and when to see them

Pied wagtails can be found across the UK, leaving some of the highland and northern areas of Scotland in winter. They are best looked for near water and can be found in most habitats, even town centres. They gather together in large roosts, sometimes in towns, often assembling on roofs beforehand.

* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  • Resident
  • Passage
  • Summer
  • Winter
Pied wagtail distribution map

You can spot pied wagtails all year round.

  • jan
  • feb
  • mar
  • apr
  • may
  • jun
  • jul
  • aug
  • sep
  • oct
  • nov
  • dec

RSPB reserves

  • RSPB Darts Farm

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