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This is a common migrant to the hilly areas of country during the winter months with few individuals seen in the low country as well. It is always seen in the vicinity of streams and pools. The Grey Wagtail is widely distributed across the Palearctic region with several well-marked populations and winters in tropical regions of Asia and Africa.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (IUCN Red List).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

I have seen this species mostly in the higher hills where one or two individuals occupy every 50-meter stretch of running stream. In the dry zone I have seen it at Udawalawa and Yala National parks, Buduruwagala and Wellawaya. In the low country wet zone I have seen it at Bodinagala, Meethirigala, Awissawella, Ambepussa and Labugama Kalatuwawa. I have never seen it in the Mannar Island or in the Jaffna peninsula.

This is not a species usually seen in Wilpattu. On 16th of October 2016 I was surprised when I found one at Kumutu Wila. It may have been a bird that was on its way to the hills.