The world of a wagtail

Kingdom: Animalia

Family: Motacillidae

Species: Motacilla alba

The pied wagtail is a small, spritely, black and white bird found throughout the UK. The species is partly migratory - it is permanently resident in England, but may spend summer in northern Scotland when it is warmer. Some parts of the population migrate southwards to France, Spain and Morocco during winter. They are pretty common - about 10% of gardens have them as regular visitors, so it's no wonder that they like UEA so much as the place is one massive garden! They are slender, with mostly black upperparts and white underparts. It is often overlooked compared to its more well known garden friends, such as the robin and the blackbird, but in truth these birds are very endearing and sweet.

They are often found near water, although they have been found to nest in urban areas too. They are given their name based on their long-feathered tails which they repeatedly wag up and down (not very imaginative, I know). No one knows why they do it exactly, but it fits in with their restless nature which is what enables them to be such effective predators of insects, such as caterpillars, flies and worms. They feed on particularly small ones, which other larger, birds usually look over. The wagtails dart about, and if they are in a natural environment where something is fast moving, such as by a stream, it makes them quite tricky to spot. They combine quick scurrying around on the ground with twisting flight patterns. However, in the open area by Nelson Court, they do stand out - although are still tricky to get a decent picture of!

They tend to nest in reef beds, holes or crevices of buildings, or dense bushes, as they keep their nests warm and defends them from ground predators. In their nests they lay three to eight eggs at a time, which both sexes incubate for 11 to 16 days. They are very social birds and flock together to share their warmth and feel safer as it acts as an information exchange; the birds who have difficulty finding food can follow the ones who know their way around. It also means more eyes to watch out for predators. On a winter evening, the wagtails are known to take part in an unusual social activity, where they gather together in enormous, noisy roosts - up to hundreds of them on one roof in a shopping mall or industrial estate, to gain further protection from predators overnight.

Although they are sociable, the males can be very territorial, and take up a position on a tiled roof and chase away intruders with a twisting, acrobatic flight, letting out a harsh and urgent flight call to keep predators away. If a bird sees its own reflection in a mirror or in a car window, it may attack it - and get a sore head by doing so. It is usually not a very vocal bird, but can be heard to be singing out a shrill, clear and happy chirp from perches or close to the nest. 

These sweet little birds have been declining since the 1970s due to degradation and habitat loss, but luckily the species is able to adapt fairly well, but is not classed as threatened, and is of least concern. This is reassuring, as I don't want to say goodbye to these little fellows any time soon.

Some very blurry photos of some very fidgety wagtails!!