Features& Description
The Western Yellow Wagtail, Latin for “Motacilla flava”, is a small, stocky, insectivorous passerine. In spring, its dominant yellow color, olive-green back and bluish-gray head with a pronounced white eyebrow set it apart from gray wagtails.
Habitat(Biotope)
It is a bird of wet meadows and is found in large numbers in cultivated rapeseed fields. It is particularly fond of open grassy areas close to water, where it can find food.
Behavior& habits
Wintering in Mediterranean countries, it returns in spring to nest. Its light, gently curving flight is very different from that of other wagtails. A tireless hunter, it is often seen with numerous prey in its beak.
Reproductionand immature
Western Yellow Wagtails come up from the south in small groups before splitting up to nest. Very territorial, they will not tolerate the slightest incursion by another congener. The nest is built on the ground from dry grass and hair. 5 to 6 eggs hatch within a fortnight. A second brood may be born in July.
Cryor Voice
Its song is fairly simple, consisting of 2 or even 3 syllables in the form of squeaky “tslié” sounds. It is frequently emitted from the top of a plant or post.
Wagtail Printaniere
