Birds In Flight - Post Yours!

[Jack Dawe]

Is that a white wagtail?

Yes, but given where Mick is—and assuming the photo was taken on home territory—it would be the British subspecies known here as Pied Wagtail.

 

[Chuck]

Yes, but given where Mick is, it would be the British subspecies known here as Pied Wagtail.

So these two don’t live side by side at a given location? It’s either one or the other?

 

[Jack Dawe]

So these two don’t live side by side at a given location? It’s either one or the other?

Yes and no! As a rule of thumb that's the case, but it's not totally clear-cut. Pied Wagtail is the common breeding race in Britain, but we do see numbers of the nominate, continental race (White Wagtail) during migration times. I don't think White Wagtail breeds in Britain though, at least not normally.

 

[Chuck]

Yes and no! As a rule of thumb that's the case, but it's not totally clear-cut. Pied Wagtail is the common breeding race in Britain, but we do see numbers of the nominate, continental race (White Wagtail) during migration times. I don't think White Wagtail breeds in Britain though, at least not normally.

Thanks for the explanation. Strange though that the White Wagtail won’t breed in Britain. I mean, why not? The Pied does. Or is that the very reason the White doesn’t?

 

[Jack Dawe]

Thanks for the explanation. Strange though that the White Wagtail won’t breed in Britain. I mean, why not? The Pied does. Or is that the very reason the White doesn’t?

I think that's known only to the birds!

The geographical range of species and subspecies is often linked to isotherms and average temperatures. It may be that the slightly greater prevalence of melanin in the Pied Wagtail's plumage means it is better adapted to the very slightly colder British climate, but that's only a guess.

 

[Chuck]

I think that's known only to the birds!

The geographical range of species and subspecies is often linked to isotherms and average temperatures. It may be that the slightly greater prevalence of melanin in the Pied Wagtail's plumage means it is better adapted to the very slightly colder British climate, but that's only a guess.

That you know that, about the melanin is impressive. Thanks for being so patient with a non-birder!

 

[Macstory]

It's the time of year when Canada Gease 'lose the plot'.
(Lens: Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD <> Camera ID: Canon EOS 7D Mark II).

 

[Mikbone]

Is that a white wagtail?

Hi Chuck
It's a pied wagtail indeed..

 

[Mikbone]

Yes, but given where Mick is—and assuming the photo was taken on home territory—it would be the British subspecies known here as Pied Wagtail.

It was taken at Malham Cove, North Yorkshire, and it is a Pied Wagtail...thank you

 

[Mikbone]

Thanks for the explanation. Strange though that the White Wagtail won’t breed in Britain. I mean, why not? The Pied does. Or is that the very reason the White doesn’t?

As far as I know we have the Grey and Pied Wagtails here in the UK