..Pied Wagtails..
We have two types of Wagtails at Corkagh: The Pied Wagtail with its black and white markings and the Grey Wagtail which is known for its yellow breast. Their name comes from their habit of bobbing their long tails up and down. The Pied Wagtail feeds entirely on insects however in winter they have been known to visit gardens where they might show an interest in fatballs or any other food on the ground.
During winter the Pied Wagtail can gather in large flocks. They are a common bird throughout Ireland and adapt well to many different habitats including urban areas.
In the breeding season, from April to August they are extremely territorial and will immediately chase off any wagtail who ventures near their nesting area.
The Pied Wagtail is not choosey about where it builds its nest and will happily settle in woodpiles, walls and old machinery.
The Pied Wagtail can have up to 3 broods in a season. Both the male and female share the tasks of building the nest, incubating the eggs and feeding the nestlings. The fledglings are a grey colour at first but from the beginning their tails bob up and down like the adults.
Like some other birds, the Pied Wagtail splits their brood after the first week with each parent looking after their group. The young are independent after a fortnight and will join a flock of other juveniles well away from adult territories.
Males are a sharper black and white colour while the females have a more dark grey and white colouring. In winter the male loses the intensity of the black colouration and looks more like the female.
