This species is known for its distinctive tail-wagging behaviour. As these little birds are typically found near water, a trip to your local river or wetland can be the best place to spot them.
Where do wagtails live?
In the UK, wagtails can be observed along riversides, streams, and wetlands, where they forage for insects. These adaptable birds have also found a niche in farmland, often seen in fields and meadows near water sources.
Even in urban areas, some wagtail species, such as the pied wagtail, have thrived, making their homes in parks, gardens, and even busy city centres.
Find out more about their song, characteristics and behaviour with our guide to Britain's wagtail species, including the pied wagtail, grey wagtail and yellow wagtail.
Want to know more about Britain's birds? Why not check out our guide to garden birds, Britain's most common seabirds or how to identify Britain's birds of prey?
Guide to wagtail species in the UK
Pied wagtail (Motacilla alba)
The Pied Wagtail is a small, black-and-white bird that thrives in urban areas, especially on flat surfaces like car parks, rooftops, and farmyards.
With a characteristic bobbing head and a tail that wags incessantly, they are easy to spot. Their loud “schizzick” call is often heard in flight.
Males are mostly black with some white, while females have uneven grey backs. They build nests in various locations, including walls and machinery.
When to See: All year round.
Where to See: Urban areas like car parks, rooftops, and farmyards.
Grey wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
Despite its name, the Grey Wagtail is notable for its citrus-yellow underparts, especially during spring when males have a black chin.
This species is often seen near water, where it perches on rocks and wags its impressively long tail.
Its call is a sharp “zi-zit.” Unlike Pied Wagtails, they are less social and rarely form large roosts.
When to See: All year round.
Where to See: Near streams, rivers, and garden ponds, especially those with running water.
Yellow wagtail (Motacilla flava)
A striking bird with bright yellow underparts, black legs and the shortest tail of the three wagtail species.
As it breeds in wet meadows and sometimes agricultural fields, it's often seen near large grazing animals, as it feeds on insects they disturb.
Unfortunately, this species is in serious decline due to habitat loss.
When to See: March to September.
Where to See: Lowland England, particularly in wet meadows and near grazing animals.
What's the difference between pipits and wagtails?
Pipits and wagtails are both small, ground-dwelling birds that can be easily confused, often because of the way they bob their tails.
However, there are a few key differences that can help you tell them apart:
Appearance:
- Wagtails: Known for their distinctive tail-wagging behaviour, wagtails typically have longer legs and a more upright posture. They often have brighter and more contrasting plumage.
- Pipits: Pipits have shorter legs and a more hunched posture. Their plumage is generally duller and more streaked.
Behaviour:
- Wagtails: Wagtails are more likely to be found near water bodies, such as rivers, ponds, and streams. They are constantly on the move, wagging their tails and foraging for insects.
- Pipits: Pipits are more adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, and moorlands. They tend to have a more sedentary behaviour, often hopping or running on the ground.
Song:
- Wagtails: Wagtails have a more varied and melodious song, often consisting of a series of short, sharp notes.
- Pipits: Pipits have a simpler song, typically a series of repeated notes.
Learn more about Britain's pipit species, including the meadow pipit, tree pipit, rock pipit and water pipit.
Want to know more?
Check out our guides about how to identify bird song and bird calls, the best bird identifier charts and the best British bird identification books to buy.
