| Picture ©2001, - Fishing in Wales |
Pied or White Wagtail - Motacilla alba ssp yarellii
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Familiar and common bird found throughout the country in towns, cities, grassland, farmland, often by water. Reasonably tame and a common resident in many areas. It's name comes from it's black and white colouration (pied) and it's flicking tail movement. Bounding flight showing 2 wing bars with loud 'chissick' call, song is a rambling lively warble. Black throat, head and back with white eye flashes from forehead to cheeks. White underside with intermediate colour between underside and neck. Female ♀ has grey back, male ♂ black, juveniles have their black portion replaced with grey. The White Wagtail subspecies has a grey back and is a visitor during spring and autumn migration.
Distribution ranges over the whole of Europe to Asia and Africa. Length 18-21cm (7-8in). Nests during April to May, in holes in walls, between rocks, using grass, roots & moss, lining it with feathers and hair. Lays 5-6 whitish eggs marked with dark spots and streaks. Young hatch in 12-14 days. Feeds on insects, larvae, worms and spiders sometimes quite close to man in grassed areas roads and roofs, by either catching in flight, picking from the ground or 'run-picking' making short darting moves after it's prey. Congregates in the autumn to migrate during September - November.
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