Last weekend, I took advantage of some sunshine to go and relax on a terrace on the shores of Lake Geneva. As I contemplated the landscape, a small bird caught my eye as it approached looking at me curiously. It was a 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲. Not very shy, this magnificent bird enjoys strolling along the banks as much as we do. Belonging to the order of 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘅, the Grey Wagtail is the second most abundant non-forest species in Switzerland behind the Black Redstart. It is often seen in an area 𝘂𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗶𝗻 but rarely far from a 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗱'𝗲𝗮𝘂. It is fond of small insects such as flies, mosquitoes and ants. The Wagtail has an easily recognisable gait. It advances by walking one paw after the other while constantly wagging its tail. This explains why it used to be called the Hochequeue. Its plumage of varying shades of grey gives it a very elegant appearance. It is used to 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗿 but mainly over short distances. If the winters are mild, it can behave like a bird 𝘀𝗲́𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲. The Grey Wagtail nests mainly in cracks in walls and on the roofs of buildings. Not very shy, it often nests in busy places. It is therefore possible to observe its incessant comings and goings to feed its offspring, its beak laden with insects.
Information taken from Birdlife Switzerland
Photo credits: Birdlife Switzerland, Corine Bliek, Photo ASL
