Nature Photographers Ltd

Pied wagtail - Motacilla alba yarrellii - juvenile. Length 18cm. Familiar black, grey and white bird that pumps its tail up and down and has a distinctive call. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male in summer has mainly white underparts and black breast and upperparts; note white face, white wingbars, dark legs and bill, and white outer tail feathers. In winter, similar but throat is white and black on breast is less extensive. Adult female recalls an adult male in various seasons but back is dark grey. Juvenile and 1st winter birds have greyish upperparts, black rump, and whitish underparts; note whitish wingbars and yellowish wash to face. Voice Utters a loud chissick call. Status Favours bare ground and short grassland, often near farms, on playing fields or in car parks.