Grey wagtail

About

The Grey wagtail is a true inhabitant of mountain streams. During the breeding season, it always stays near flowing water, most often by fast rivers and streams with stones, so it is easy to spot in the Carpathians from a bridge or the shore. In neighboring Poland, this bird is found in the mountains, foothills, and uplands, returning to breed in March.

The bird is about 18 cm long and weighs 17–21 g, with a very long tail—the longest among European wagtails. The top of the head and back are grey, with a white 'eyebrow' above the eye, and the underside is bright yellow, especially under the tail. In breeding plumage, the male has a black throat, while the female has a white or spotted throat. The Grey wagtail is distinguished from the Yellow wagtail by its grey, not greenish back, and its very long tail.

The wagtail tirelessly runs over the stones by the water, constantly swaying its tail, catching insects in the shallows and in the air, and flying low over the water in a wavering flight. In flight, it often gives a sharp, ringing call.

The breeding season lasts from April to July. The wagtail hides its nest near the water—in crevices of rocks, among stones and roots on the shore, sometimes in human structures near the stream. The clutch consists of 3–6 spotted eggs. It often lives near the Common sandpiper, sharing the same streams. The Grey wagtail is not listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine.

Where in the Carpathians

The map shows where naturalists recorded the species (GBIF, CC0 and CC BY records), not every place it lives. The Ukrainian Carpathians are less studied, so a blank area does not mean the species is absent.

Countries

Slovakia · Poland · Czechia · Romania · Ukraine · Hungary · Serbia · Austria · BG

Mountain ranges

Western Tatras, Moravian-Silesian Beskids, High Tatras, Bieszczady, Piatra Craiului, Skole Beskids, Żywiec Beskids, Bucegi Mountains, Low Tatras, Silesian Beskids

Altitude belts

Foothills (below 600 m) · Beech forests (600–1200 m)

When to see it

From naturalists’ observations in the Carpathians (iNaturalist, research grade): the darker the cell, the more often the species is seen that month.

Protection and rules

Not listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine.

Red Data Book of Ukraine

FAQ