Grey Wagtail vs Yellow Wagtail: How to Tell Them Apart

The vivid yellow tail is very long and usually twitching. Plumage varies slightly by season and there are some differences between the sexes. In summer, the male is a bright yellow underneath, bluish grey on top, he has a black throat and there's a white strip above the eye. He has a dark bill, reddish legs and white feathers on the outside of his tail. The summer female is similar, but the black throat is usually greyish-white, and the underparts are more dull. In winter the strip above the male's eye is less distinct, and the throat is whitish in both the male and female. Juveniles are similar to adult females in winter.

Summer territories include quickly moving water with trees and rocks nearby, preferably upland. Winter territories are lower after departure from summer grounds; may include agricultural lands, areas of human populations (as long as there is water), and coastal territories.

Has a piercing 'chsee-sit' call and a quavering song heard from a perch or when flying.

The Yellow Wagtail is a slighter bird than the Pied Wagtail, and the tail is not as long. There is some variance in colour and markings across races, and the sexes differ. Males are yellowish-green on top and vivid yellow below and on their faces. There's a yellow supercilium, the wings are dark brownish with white bars, and the outside tail feathers are white. Females resemble males, but her colours and markings are not as vivid, particularly the yellow. Juveniles are similar to females but their throats are whiter and they have a buffish mark on the cheek. Occasionally the Blue-tailed Wagtail appears in the region; it comes from mainland Europe, and the most obvious difference is the bluish hat and ears.

Prefers lowland marshes, agricultural land and river margins for breeding. During migration it may visit grassy areas, and in winter the Yellow Wagtail spends time by marshes and rice fields.

Has a high-pitched 'tsreee-ee' call, and has a song that combines the call with a gentle warble.