Pied or White Wagtail please ? (1 Viewer)

[MattG]

Hello,
I'm struggling to find the difference between the Pied and white wagtail ? I've heard it's the same bird ?
Devon UK

Thanks

 

[wheatearlp]

The White Wagtail is the nominate - Motacilla alba alba. Found over most of Europe.
Pied Wagtail is the subspecies that occurs, primarily, in the UK & Ireland - Motacilla alba yarrellii.
The bird in your pic is the latter - strongly grey flanks, darkish grey upperparts with blackish blotches (likely a female) and the suggestion of a black rump (just visible between folded wings.
White Wagtail is a paler bird, generally with paler upperparts & clear demarcation from nape, little grey suffusion on flanks and a grey rump.

 

[MattG]

Brilliant thank you. Wish I was that clever........ 👍

 

[wheatearlp]

Brilliant thank you. Wish I was that clever........ 👍

Not clever, just old... 😉

 

[MattG]

Still clever 👍

 

[wheatearlp]

Still clever 👍

OK, I'll take that, cheers 👍
Plenty of on-line resource that will tell you the same and more. Also Collins Guide is good, either the book or the app.

 

[Harrybongo]

Not clever, just old... 😉

......... and wise! 😂