The wagtail holds a unique place in certain traditions, particularly in folklore associated with the Romani people, or Gypsies. This tale describes how this bird was forever exiled from villages due to its insatiable hunger. Below is the story as it has been told.
The story
When God had made the world and all the creatures and man, he gave to each one the food from which they should eat and be satisfied. All the creatures thanked God, and whenever they ate their food, they were satisfied, except only the wagtail and the Gypsy, who were never satisfied.
When God saw the greed of these two, he grew very angry and said to the wagtail, “You shall not be allowed to go near any village unless the Gypsies, after having eaten, say with their full heart that they are quite satisfied.” And to the Gypsy, he said, “When the wagtail comes into the villages, only then shall you be satisfied.”
But the Gypsies, even when they are invited to the meals freely given in honor of the dead, however much they may eat and stuff and fill, will say as soon as they have got up from the table and gone a few steps, “I am starving; I am dying of hunger.”
And therefore, the wagtails never come near the village. And it is also called the Gypsies’ bird because it can only come near the village when the Gypsy says he has eaten enough and is satisfied. But as such a thing never happens, this bird cannot approach the houses of men like other birds. Also, it is called “half a bird,” for all the other birds get into the village except the wagtail.
The real bird behind the myth
The bird referred to in this tale is most likely the white wagtail (Motacilla alba), a small passerine species found across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. Recognized for its striking black, white, and gray plumage, this bird is known for its characteristic tail-wagging behavior. Unlike many other urban-adapted birds, white wagtails prefer open areas near water sources, such as riverbanks, lakeshores, and agricultural fields.
While the story claims that wagtails avoid villages, this is not entirely accurate. In reality, white wagtails are often seen in rural and even urban areas, especially where there are open spaces. However, their preference for open fields and wetlands might have contributed to the perception that they do not frequent human settlements as much as other small birds like sparrows or starlings.
Cultural and historical context
The wagtail’s association with perpetual hunger and dissatisfaction is an interesting reflection of cultural attitudes. In folklore, birds are often used to represent human traits – either virtues or flaws. In this case, the wagtail embodies restlessness and insatiability (or greed), much like the Gypsy character in the story.
This myth likely has roots in European and Romani traditions, where certain birds were given symbolic meanings. The connection between birds and human behavior can be found in various cultures. For instance, the raven is often linked to mystery and intelligence, while the cuckoo is associated with deception.
Other wagtail myths and symbolism
The white wagtail is not only featured in Romani folklore but also appears in other cultural traditions. In Japanese mythology, it is considered a sacred bird, playing a role in Shinto beliefs about marriage and fertility.
In Scandinavian folklore, wagtails are sometimes seen as harbingers of spring and symbols of movement and change. Similarly, in Slavic traditions, the wagtail is regarded as a bird of good fortune, bringing prosperity to those who see it first in the new year.
Across these different cultures, the wagtail has been associated with transformation, renewal, and fortune, making it a recurring figure in folklore worldwide.
For more information about wagtails, including their behavior, conservation status, and role in culture and ecosystems, explore our other articles on Planet of Birds.