Scientific Name: Motacilla citreola
Malay Name: Pipit-Batu Kepala Kuning
Chinese Name: 黄头鹡鸰
Range: Widespread across breeding range from Europe to Asia, wintering range includes India and southeastern Asia.
Taxonomy: Polytypic. Subspecies are: citreola, calcarata.
Size: 16.5-20 cm
Identification: Compared to Eastern Yellow Wagtail and Grey Wagtail, key feature to look out for in non-breeding individuals is the supercilium wrapping around ear coverts and connecting to throat, creating the appearance of a distinct, isolated "cheek patch". Some may retain some or all of their breeding plumage through the winter – in such birds, much yellow may remain on the head, including forehead and ear-coverts, which are brown in Eastern Yellow. Upperparts are more grey compared to Eastern Yellow Wagtail, usually lacking olive tones, especially on the rump.
Similar looking species: Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail
Habitat: Marshes, fields, and coastal habitats, prefers wet habitats.
Behaviour/Ecology: Similar to other wagtails, forages on ground and wags tail while moving. Can be spotted in flight with undulating flight.
Local Status: Vagrant
Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2019)
- Subspecies identification of Eastern Yellow Wagtail in Singapore (ID Articles/Science)
- Three months in the life of a Citrine Wagtail in Singapore (Science)
Migrant bar chart (see more bar charts):
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
eBird Species page: eBird (Citrine Wagtail)
References:
BirdLife International. (2019). Motacilla citreola. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T22718379A154492004.en. Accessed on 1 January 2023
RECOMMENDED CITATION
Bird Society of Singapore. (n.d.). Citrine Wagtail. Retrieved on December 4, 2024 from https://singaporebirds.com/species/citrine-wagtail.