ExploreBirds

Pied Wagtail

Motacilla alba

The Pied Wagtail is a cheerful little bird with a black and white body. It loves to hop around and wag its tail, especially near water.

Habitat: Wetlands and urban areas

Appearance

The Pied Wagtail has striking black and white plumage with grey on its back. It is easily recognized by its long, constantly wagging tail, which is black with white outer feathers. Its distinctive pattern makes it stand out from most other small garden birds.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyMotacillidaeGenusMotacilla
Pied Wagtail
wildlife trait badgefeathered trait badgesinging trait badgeinsectivorous trait badge
Pied Wagtail

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

9

Interesting facts

Some Pied Wagtails travel thousands of miles to warmer places for winter.

Their constant tail-wagging is how they got their unique name!

They often sleep together in huge groups, sometimes hundreds, in cold weather.

You might see them chasing insects disturbed by moving cars or tractors!

Special abilities

Ability

Tail Waggle Master

Pied Wagtail can constantly wag its long tail because it helps them balance while walking and flush out hidden insects.

Ability

Insect Acrobats

Pied Wagtail has incredibly agile flight that helps them dart and weave in the air to catch flying insects.

Ability

Adaptation Alchemist

Pied Wagtail can thrive in many places because they easily adapt their diet and nesting sites to human environments.

Measurements & details

Length
16.5-19 cm
Wingspan
25-30 cm
Weight
0.017-0.025 kg
Lifespan
2-5 years
Top Speed
50 km/h
Clutch Size
3-7
Incubation
12-14 days
Migration Distance
1000 km

Diet & Feeding

Pied Wagtails are expert insect hunters, catching flies, beetles, and other small creepy crawlies!

Primary Foods

  • Flies
  • Beetles
  • Caterpillars
  • Ants
  • Spiders
  • Small aquatic invertebrates

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Sparrowhawk

Accipiter nisus

A common raptor that preys on small birds.

eaten by

Feral Cat

Felis catus

Opportunistic predator of garden birds.

hunts

Housefly

Musca domestica

A common insect often caught in flight.

hunts

Small White butterfly

Pieris rapae

Catches the caterpillars of this common garden pest.

Traits

Also known as

MotacillaWhite Wagtail

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and do not try to touch or feed them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Pied Wagtail?

The easiest way to identify Pied Wagtail is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Pied Wagtail?

16.5-19 cm

What is Pied Wagtail's wingspan?

25-30 cm

How much does Pied Wagtail weigh?

0.017-0.025 kg

How long does Pied Wagtail live?

2-5 years

How fast can Pied Wagtail move?

50 km/h

What does Pied Wagtail eat?

Pied Wagtails are expert insect hunters, catching flies, beetles, and other small creepy crawlies!

Where is Pied Wagtail usually found?

Wetlands and urban areas

Snap Map

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