Breeding pairs: 470,000 pairs
Pied wagtails are small black and white birds with a long, wagging tail.
In the summer male pied wagtails have a white forehead, cheeks and belly with a black mantle, head, throat and breast. The back is grey. During winter the back is darker grey and the throat is white.
Females are darker grey with a black crown, throat, breast, rump and tail.
Juveniles are brownish grey with yellowish-white parts.
Pied wagtails build their nests under roof tiles, in walls and buildings or beneath stones. The nest is cup-shaped and made from grass and moss.
They lay 3-7 pale grey eggs with darker spots. Both male and female pied wagtails incubate the eggs for 12-14 days and the chicks fledge at 13-16 days.
Pied wagtails will forage in the ground for insects usually in open areas.
Pied wagtails can be seen all year round across the UK except some of northern Scotland during the winter.
They are often found near water but can also be found in town centres.
Polly dish-washer, Peggy dish-washer, Moll-washer, Molly wash dish, Polly wash dish, Washtail. Willy wagtail and Nanny wash tail are just some of the nicknames given to the pied wagtail.
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3 Responses
We have a lone male pied wagtail in the garden in Cirencester, we have a pond where the bird originally spent most of the time eating insects but during Jan/Feb its spent more time on the patio, Im surprised there does not seem to be a female, is this usual?
Hi
Once fledged how long do the young get parental support, feeding etc
Did you ever found out an answer to this? I’m desperate to know this having rescued a baby one from a neighbours cat. He’s feeding, drinking etc. At first was either in shock or didn’t know how to use his wings. He is now flying in the small space I have him in but need to try a bigger space just to confirm his wings are both ok. I just want to make sure he has the best chance. I can always see and hear the wagtails around(live in flats overlooking flat grooves I can get to)…but will the parents be interested can he rejoin the flock/them? Not certain how it works and whether his best chance is a rescue centre? If he is fine though makes sense to release him here right? Anyone know?Thanks!