Motacilla cinerea
This is the slimmest of the wagtails, and also has the longest tail which aids its maneuverability in flight. It has slate-grey upper parts and a long white-edged tail, whilst underneath it pale yellow, varying depending on the time of year, from being less yellow in the winter. It has a conspicuous white stripe over the eye. It can have a lot of yellow in its plumage and can be mistaken with the Yellow Wagtail.
It catches flies and other small invertebrates on the ground or in the air. It forms its nest in a grassy cup in a hole in the bank, wall, tree roots, or under bridges. The femaleΒ lays 4 to 6 eggs in 2 broods, April to August. It can live for up to 5 years.
Seen all year round, and inhabits tree-lined rivers, or more open streams. It will come readily to a puddle to feed in winter, even garden ponds or city flat rooftops. Widespread over most of the UK with the exception of the northern and western isles of Scotland, but because of declines in the 1970s and 1980s it has an Amber List status. However, the population is gradually increasing.
Photographs taken October 2011, nature reserve, Staffordshire. Camera Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ38. Β© Pete Hillman 2011.
It’s beautiful. I have seen these birds sometimes in the summertime. It’s not staying in my country during winter
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Thank you, Gunnar π It is one of my favourite birds.
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Beautiful photos.
Happy 2017!
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Thank you, Rabirius! Happy 2017 to you, too!
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Thank you, Pete.
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Lovely shots, I really like the composition of the first one.
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Thank you π They were quite a challenge to photograph. I did not have that good a camera at the time, and the bird kept flying off along the river bank every time I got near it. I must have looked mad chasing after it, lol! π
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One of my favourite birds π I am very fortunate to have a good population of them living on the Basingstoke Canal nearby so I watch them a lot! Such fun π
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You are lucky to be able to see them as often as you do, Sarah. I get to see them occasionally on local pools or the river. Thank you for your comment π
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It’s all down to local environment! They do seem to be thriving in my area though π I see them in London too at Hyde Park! Went along the canal path the other day and it was almost completely frozen over. Amusing sight of the wagtail scooting across the ice π
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It certainly must have been a sight to see! π
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I tried not to laugh! Honest π
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