Grey Wagtail, 071215 01 f

Grey Wagtail, " Motacilla cinerea ( Motacillidae ),

 

The Grey Wagtail is typically found on fast-flowing mountain streams. It will also occur on slower lowland waters but usually near a weir or waterfall. In mountainous areas it is found well above the tree-line and as high as 2,800m, In winter it is more frequent on lowland waters such as watercress beds, sewage farms and the sea-coast.

It feeds mainly on insects taken in or near the water as well as some small crustaceans and even fish fry. It is generally seen singly or in pairs, and is not gregarious even on migration or in winter, The nest is usually sited amongst the roots of a eater side tree, on a ledge or in a hole in the bank. Sometimes a hole in wall or an old Dipper's nest is used, The nest is a cap of grasses, twigs, roots, moss and other plant material, lined with hair, feathers or fine grass. The female takes the major part in nest-building and, incubation but both sexes rear the young.

Grey Wagtails are mainly resident in western Europe, though there is some altitudinal movement in winter. Birds from the north and east of the European range migrate to winter along coasts and southward to the Mediterranean.

Some may go as far as Africa, Asian breeding brids are highly migratory, wintering in the tropics,

Migration; Mainly late September - November, returning in March - April.

 

Voice, - Sharp, explosive tchik, zi, or zi-zi; song penetrating, metallic trills and warbles,

Feeding, - Catches flies and other small insects on ground or in air,

 

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