Least Concern

About 18–20 cm in length; wingspan 25–28 cm; weight around 15–20 g. A slender bird with a grey back, bright yellow underparts, and a long black-and-white tail. In breeding plumage, males have a black throat patch.

Migratory species — breeds in Europe, Central Asia, and the Himalayas.

Winters in South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and the Malay Peninsula, frequenting streams and rivers.

April to July in northern breeding ranges. Builds a cup-shaped nest of moss and grass, often placed under bridges, rocks, or riverbanks. Usually lays 4–6 eggs.

Prefers mountain streams, rivers, and freshwater bodies with rocky banks and open surroundings. Nests close to water.

During winter, found near streams, lakes, irrigation canals, and paddy fields in both hills and plains. Constantly wags its long tail up and down while walking or foraging.

Primarily insectivorous, feeding on flies, beetles, mayflies, and aquatic larvae. Catches insects in flight or picks them off rocks and water surfaces.