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bird Grey Wagtails

Identify It >   Birds Section >   Grey Wagtails >



Scientific name:  Motacilla cinerea

Size:  Approximately 18cm long.  Wingspan approximately 26cm

Distribution:  Found throughout most of the UK

Months seen:  All year round, but scarce in eastern areas in summer

Habitat:  Close to water, especially fast flowing rivers and streams

Food:  Invertebrates

Special features:  Grey wagtails have predominantly grey plumage on their upper parts and yellow plumage below.  The legs are orange-brown and the beak is grey.

As the name suggests they frequently flick their tails up and down when on the ground.  They have a long tail which accentuates this 'wagtail' action.

Grey Wagtails are sometimes confused with Yellow Wagtails (see link below).

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