The Western Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava) is a small passerine bird, related to pipits and longclaws. It wags its tail as it walks or runs along the ground.

The Western Yellow Wagtail is yellow on underparts and face, and olive-green on its back. It has black legs. Its medium-length tail makes the Western Yellow Wagtail the shortest tailed European Wagtail.

Western Yellow Wagtail

It can grow to 16 centimetres (6 inches) tall.

The Western Yellow Wagtail breeds in Europe and Asia, and migrates to Africa during winter. It prefers marshlands, meadows, grasslands, and riverbanks.

It is insectivorous, feeding on insects, such as flies and beetles, near water and in grasslands.

Females make a cup-shaped nest in the grass, using plants and grass, and they line it with animal fur. Females lay 4-8 speckled eggs.

Western Yellow Wagtail

Western Yellow Wagtail

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM