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Gary Martin | all galleries >> Galleries >> British birds > Grey wagtail
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29-MAY-2004 Gary Martin

Grey wagtail

Llanelli, Wales

Motacilla cinerea
The grey wagtail is more colourful than its name suggests with slate grey upper parts and distinctive lemon yellow under-tail. Its tail is noticeably longer than those of pied and yellow wagtails. They have gradually increased their range in the past 150 years and in the UK have expanded into the English lowlands from the northern and western uplands. They are badly effected by harsh winters, and because of recent moderate declines it is an Amber List species.


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Carol 24-Jun-2021 13:47
First came across this bird when I was watering my pot hydrangea, it flew out as the water hit the leaves. I saw it again flying out of the pot so I sneaked a peek and found a nest with 5 eggs, so no more watering for the plant. Kept a close watch on the bird flying in and out for a few weeks, so took another peek - all eggs hatched with open mouthed chicks waiting for food. Left well alone so they could feed and fledge without interference. Weeks later and when there was no sign of activity I gently watered the plant and was faced with 5 chicks running around the soil at the rim of the pot just getting ready to launch. I stood back and watched 4 fly off. The last one must have followed them later because there was no sign next day. As an avid bird watcher for 40 plus years, this was a great experience.
Guest 30-Sep-2020 09:25
Just had one in our garden first time I’ve seen one in Essex
Guest 01-May-2017 11:46
Just seen this bird for the first time along a river in Bedfordshire
Guest 03-Jan-2017 16:17
we have seen this bird in Plymouth Devon January 3rd 2017
Guest 12-Oct-2016 15:00
We have seen and photographed this bird in our garden today in Worcester.
Guest 20-Jan-2016 21:13
Elaine p this lovely little bird visits my parents garden every afternoon
Liz Brewer 14-May-2015 08:48
Live in Orpington and just seen a Grey Wagtail just off High Street 9.45am. Beautiful 14/5/15
Guest 08-May-2014 16:04
I have just seen two of these outside my balcony an spent around 30minutes watching them. Beautiful birds and a first sighting for myself
Colin 17-Oct-2013 12:23
Just seen a Grey Wagtail in the Royal Mail yard in Romford, Essex. Very unsual place to see one.
Sheelagh 06-Jun-2013 14:11
Saw one at lunch time by the river at Kingston upon Thames
Guest 11-May-2013 14:49
I saw one this morning at the Grand Union Canal in Tring. Thanks for the picture, I wanted to know what it was.
Steve 18-Mar-2013 20:40
We've just had one feeding in my half filled in pond for at least an hour.First time I've ever seen one, a very pretty bird.
Andy 25-Jan-2013 12:02
Just this last week have had one visit my garden in Swadlincote the midlands ,
Guest 21-Jan-2013 11:34
SAY ONE OF THESE IN STAMFORD BRIDGE EAST YORKSHIRE ON 19/01/2013.
Guest 14-Jan-2013 21:20
We have one of these visit our garden most days in south larnarkshire glasgow
Guest 02-Dec-2012 14:24
Just seen one of these pretty little things in my garden in Widnes and wanted to know what it was. Now I know :)
Von 02-Dec-2012 11:21
forgot to mention saw it outside my house in Whalley Range Manchester 02/12/12 - treat x
Von 02-Dec-2012 11:18
Saw this beautiful bird for the first time and had to find out it's name ...thank you
Barrie 09-Nov-2012 09:13
Saw a Grey Wagtail on my garden this morning 9/11 2012 I live in Walsall
pete 31-May-2012 19:04
found 2 grey wagtails in my onion bed wed 30th may kelso area
laura 10-Apr-2012 17:28
saw a pair in Hopwood Woods Middleton Manchester April 10th 2012, very confident did not fly away, thanks did not know what they were
Ali 25-Feb-2012 16:12
I saw a pair dipping along the stream in the woods at Nunney, Nr. Frome, Somerset, a truly beautiful sight
Karen 02-Jan-2012 13:28
I have one of these in my garden now. had to look it up as not seen one before. Beautiful
mik 08-Nov-2011 16:13
saw one these today so nice looking by my pond i thought it was an escape from a cage
untill i went on bird identifier
Guest 08-May-2011 19:23
spotted one of these today for the first time. Seem it at arrowe park on Wirral
ash 01-Apr-2010 00:22
hey i seen this bird last week, two of them in belfast,their behaviour made me smile bouncing up and down, it was very cute
Sian 09-Jan-2010 19:22
Thanks for this image, helped me identify a bird I hadn't seen before down by the canal in South Manchester - on a very cold day!
Guest 16-Dec-2009 18:53
i have seen one of these birds today 16th Dec 2009. I have never seen one before and it made my day i am in Letchworth in Hertfordshire
Mark 14-Oct-2009 20:06
Just seen one of these little fellows. Was enjoying my pond. will look out for future sightings.
Preston Lancashire
andy 16-Dec-2008 10:03
great pictures. i thought i would just say , that i keep seeing this little fellow everytime i come to work. i was not sure of what it was at first but looking at your picture, hey presto !! ... i live in retford , notts. and to see him was quite a surprise having read your write up ..