GREY WAGTAIL
This beautiful little bird is 170 to 200mm in length, which includes a long wagging tail. The upperparts of the male are slate grey, and the underparts are yellow. Under the tail, is bright yellow. There is a white stripe over the eye and a black chin and bib. The females are similar in appearance, except they have a white throat and white belly. The grey wagtails flight is undulating, with a flurry of wingbeats at the bottom of the undulation. When on the ground, they constantly bob up and down and wag their tails.
Grey wagtails love water, especially fast flowing, rocky streams which are tree lined. If this habitat is not available, then shallow pools or even puddles will suffice. Grey wagtails nest near running water, on an embankment between stones and roots. Also, crevices in rocks or bridges can be used. To attract a lady, the male makes short flights into the air and descends slowly with a fluttering flight. 3 to 6 eggs are laid and incubated for 2 weeks, with the chicks fledging after a further 2 weeks.
