Yellow Wagtail

The widespread wagtail prefers wet meadows, marshlands, grassy and muddy lakeshores, often seen in fields and near livestock during migration. Like other wagtails, it walks on the ground, bobbing its long, white-sided tail. Its plumage varies greatly, with breeding males sporting a bright yellow underside and greenish back. Head patterns differ regionally: UK males have a greenish head with a yellow eyebrow; northern Europe showcases a slaty gray head; central and southwest Europe exhibit a blue-gray head with white eyebrows; Mongolia and northwestern China feature striking white-headed individuals. Various subspecies may winter together. Females and nonbreeding individuals have duller, paler plumages with faint male pattern outlines. Songs and calls vary among subspecies, commonly producing buzzy "dzeerdzeer" or downslurred "tzree" sounds.