Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) **
The Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) is a slender and elegant bird commonly found near freshwater habitats, such as streams, rivers, wetlands, and lakes. Recognized by its long tail, grey upperparts, yellow underparts, and striking white eyebrow stripe, this bird is often seen bobbing its tail while foraging for insects and small invertebrates along the water’s edge. Unlike other wagtails, the Grey Wagtail has a strong preference for flowing water, making it a frequent visitor to rocky riverbanks and man-made water channels. In the UAE, it is primarily a winter visitor, arriving from breeding grounds in Central Asia and Europe. Its presence in the region is a sign of healthy aquatic ecosystems, as it relies on clean water sources for food and habitat.
| NOT EVALUATED | DATA DEFICIENT | LEAST CONCERN** | NEAR THREATENED | VULNERABLE | ENDANGERED | CRITICALLY ENDANGERED | EXTINCT IN THE WILD | EXTINCT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NE | DD | LC | NT | VU | EN | CR | EW | EX |

