White Wagtail

 Motacilla alba

Appearance
Black, white and grey plumage 
Black throat and crown

White face

So, apparently there are nine subspecies of White Wagtail. The Moticilla alba yarrellii (Pied Wagtail) is the most common in the UK. However, the Motacilla alba alba (White Wagtail), which is found in continental Europe, migrates through Britain from early March to May and again from mid-August to early November.  Your guess is as good as mine which one this is.  I saw it in Thame, Oxfordshire today. 

Learn more about the White Wagtail. 

Gray Wagtail

Motacilla cinerea

Appearance

Long black and white tail

Gray head and back

Bright yellow belly and vent

Breeding male

     Black throat

     White moustache

While visiting the picturesque village of Castle Combe in the Cotswolds, I spied this bird walking along the shoreline of the river. Not surprisingly, its tail was wagging up and down incessantly. 

Learn more about the Gray Wagtail.