Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
 Grey Wagtail, Tyninghame, East Lothian, Scotland, June 2002 - click for larger image Scotland

The Grey Wagtail is found in western, central and southern Europe as well as most of Asia. It spread into north west Europe during the last century.

It is fonder of water than other wagtails and is often associated with fast running streams. In winter it moves more into the lowlands and towards the coast where this photo was taken.

 Grey Wagtail, River Tweed, Borders, Scotland, September 2005 - click for larger image It has an exceptionally long tail which it pumps up and down ceaselessly. The male has a black bib, a white supercilium and moustachial stripe and yellow underparts. The grey upperparts contrast with the dark wings. The female and immature have a white belly and throat but always retain a yellow vent as is shown in the photo.
 Grey Wagtail, River Tweed, Borders, Scotland, September 2005 - click for larger image It's call is similar to the "Chiswick" of the Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba but is sharper and higher pitched.
Juvenile Grey Wagtail, River Spey, Kingussie, Scotland, June 2012 - click for larger image
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