Grey Wagtail
VU

Grey Wagtail

Motacilla cinerea

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_wagtail

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Grey Wagtails face significant population declines across their European range due to habitat degradation along waterways and climate-induced changes to their preferred fast-flowing stream environments. Agricultural intensification and urban development have reduced the availability of suitable riparian habitats, while pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial sources degrades water quality in their feeding areas. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns and water flow regimes, affecting the insect populations that form their primary food source.

Threat summary

Habitat

Grey Wagtails inhabit fast-flowing streams, rivers, and rocky watercourses, typically in upland and mountainous regions with clear, well-oxygenated water. They prefer areas with exposed rocks, gravel beds, and adjacent riparian vegetation that supports abundant insect life.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Motacillidae

Tawny PipitEN

Tawny Pipit

Anthus campestris

Unknown
Rock PipitEN

Rock Pipit

Anthus petrosus

Unknown
tree pipitEN

tree pipit

Anthus trivialis

Unknown
meadow pipitEN

meadow pipit

Anthus pratensis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Grey Wagtail classified as Vulnerable?
Grey Wagtail is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Grey Wagtails face significant population declines across their European range due to habitat degradation along waterways and climate-induced changes to their preferred fast-flowing stream environments. Agricultural intensification and urban development have reduced the availability of suitable riparian habitats, while pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial sources degrades water quality in their feeding areas. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns and water flow regimes, affecting the insect populations that form their primary food source.
Where does Grey Wagtail live?
Grey Wagtail occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Grey Wagtail?
The main threats to Grey Wagtail are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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