Grey Wagtail vs Eastern Yellow Wagtail

In short

The Grey Wagtail and Eastern Yellow Wagtail are both slender, long-tailed birds, but they can be distinguished by their tail length and color patterns. The Grey Wagtail has a notably longer tail and more pronounced grey upperparts, while the Eastern Yellow Wagtail is more uniformly yellow and lacks the Grey Wagtail's distinctive black throat in breeding plumage.

Identification tips

1. Look for the longer tail of the Grey Wagtail. 2. Check for the black throat in breeding Grey Wagtails. 3. Note the more uniform yellow of the Eastern Yellow Wagtail. 4. Observe habitat: Grey Wagtails near streams, Eastern Yellow Wagtails in open fields.

Size

Both species are similar in size, but the Grey Wagtail has a longer tail.

Plumage

The Grey Wagtail has grey upperparts and a black throat in breeding plumage, with a bright yellow belly. The Eastern Yellow Wagtail is more uniformly yellow, lacking the black throat.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit similar wagtail behaviors, such as tail wagging and foraging along water edges.

Habitat

Grey Wagtails are often found near fast-flowing streams and rivers, while Eastern Yellow Wagtails prefer open grasslands and tundra habitats.

Voice

Vocalizations are not distinctly different in field conditions, though experienced birders may note subtle differences.