Motacilla cinerea
Also known as Motacilla (Calobates) cinerea, Grey Wagtail
species of bird
AI overview
The grey wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) is a small, slender bird found across Europe, Asia, and North Africa that is known for its distinctive long tail and habit of bobbing it up and down. This species is important to ecologists as an indicator of clean, flowing water habitats, since it feeds on insects found near streams and rivers.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Species
Least Concerngrey wagtail
Motacilla cinerea
SPECIES
- KingdomAnimalia
- PhylumChordata
- ClassAves
- OrderPasseriformes
- FamilyMotacillidae
Observations48,956
via GBIF · IUCN
Bird sounds
- song· Spain· quality A
- flight call· United Kingdom· quality A
- flight call· United Kingdom· quality A
Article
The grey wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) is a member of the wagtail family, Motacillidae, measuring around 18–19 cm overall length. The species looks somewhat similar to the yellow wagtail but has the yellow on its underside restricted to the throat and vent. Breeding males have a black throat. The species is widely distributed, with several populations breeding in Eurosiberia and migrating to tropical regions in Asia and Africa. The species is always associated with running water when breeding, although they may use man-made structures near streams for the nest. Outside the breeding season, they may also be seen around lakes, coasts and other watery habitats. Like other wagtails, they frequently wag their tail and fly low with undulations and they have a sharp call that is often given in flight.
Taxonomy and systematics