Specie's Page                                               Grey Wagtail - Parks and Gardens

Grey Wagtail:

UK Status: Resident and native.

Habitat: Although associated with running water like streams and rivers, this bird is also seen on marshy ground, around the coast, and by the sides of lakes. This bird like other members of this group, have a habit of frequently, and quickly dipping it's tail up and down. Hence the name, 'Wagtail'.

Breeding: This bird nests in crevices alongside fast running streams and rivers, Nests are often placed between stones, or tree roots, but they will some times utilise man made structures like walls, buildings and nest boxes. Nests are made of grasses and other plant materials, and lined with hair, wool and feathers. There is usually about five pale pinkish eggs, mottled with darker reddish brown in a clutch, there may be two or three broods each year.

Comment: Widespread throughout the British Isles. Fairly common sometimes near water, however numbers have dropped considerably over recent years. There is concern that it may become an endangered species.