Grey Wagtail
Motacilla cinerea
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Despite the name, the Grey Wagtail is as yellow as the Yellow Wagtail — the grey refers to the grey back, not the brilliant yellow-sulphur underparts of the male. Associated with fast-flowing water (unlike the Yellow Wagtail of farmland), it's a bird of streams, weirs and pool edges. In winter it disperses from breeding streams to any waterway. At Marshside, Grey Wagtails appear at pool edges in autumn and winter. The very long tail wagged up and down is characteristic.
At a Glance
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Motacillidae |
| Habitat | Pool edge · Fast-flowing stream · Drainage channel · Weir |
| Diet | Insects and aquatic invertebrates caught near and on water |
| UK population | Around 40,000 pairs; amber-listed |
| Sefton Coast | Regular in winter at Marshside and drainage channels; occasional year-round |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Marshside RSPB pool edges and drainage channels; any fast-flowing water near the Sefton Coast.
Identification
Slim wagtail. Grey back and cap. Brilliant sulphur-yellow underparts. Male has black throat in summer. Very long tail, constantly pumped. White supercilium. Associated with water.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Check pool and stream edges at Marshside in November–February. Grey Wagtails are usually solitary and stand out against mud or water.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Grey Wagtail called grey when it's so yellow?
The grey refers to the back and crown, which are a uniform blue-grey — distinguishing it from the yellow-green back of the Yellow Wagtail. The yellow underparts are indeed brilliant — more so than the Yellow Wagtail in many cases. It's an unfortunate naming choice that confuses many beginners.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.