Best time to see: mid Apr to early Oct

Key facts

Slim, elegant yellow-green wagtail

Habitat: open damp grassland

Widespread summer visitor, absent only from the north-west chalklands of the county

Recognition

Predominantly yellow with a dull green or yellow-green back; 16–17 cm

When walking on the ground, bounces its long white-edged, black tail; also perches openly on fences or bushes

Often feeds among grazing animals, snatching insects stirred up by their hooves

Lifecycle

Arrive from West Africa in April and leave again in September or early October

Nest is a cup on the ground; 1 or 2 broods of 5–6 pale grey eggs sprinkled with yellow, May to June