Birds and wildlife

Pied Wagtail

Motacilla albaGroup: pipits and wagtailsUK Conservation status:Green

How to identify

The Pied Wagtail is a delightful small, long-tailed and rather sprightly black and white bird. When it's 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 often calls during its bouncing flight and can be seen gathering at dusk to form large roosts in city centres.

Key features to look out for

  • A small, slender bird (18cm) with a long, wagging tail 
  • Grey, black and white colouring with a white mask across the eyes 
  • Often calls during its ‘bouncing’ flight 

Conservation status

The Pied Wagtail is currently listed as Green, the lowest level on the UK’s List of Conservation Concern. 

Where and when to see them

Difficulty rating - Easy/Moderate

Right across the UK in urban, suburban, farmland, grassland, wetland and intertidal areas. They're out there, but you need a bit of luck. 

Key

  1. Resident
  2. Passage
  3. Summer
  4. Winter
* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

Where best to see them

Behaviour

When these spritely little birds aren’t flitting around hunting for food, they’re merrily wagging their long tails. 

An incredibly adaptable bird, the black, white and grey Pied Wagtail can be seen in urban and rural environments across the UK. In fact, you can often see them scuttling around car parks, where they keep a close eye out for insects and scraps left by us humans. 

Pied Wagtail
Wing Tips

Brilliant birds, month by month: what to see and where to go.

Key facts