Citrine Wagtail

Citrine Wagtail
This species is defined as a Review Species. Please submit your records of this species via our record submission page.

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)

Past records in our database:

Showing only accepted records. Note that records currently under review are also not displayed, and the list may not be a full list of records of this species in Singapore. For more details, check the database here.

Migrant bar chart (see more bar charts):

Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola
Average number of individuals by week based on Singapore Bird Database data, Jul 2014 to Jun 2024 (all records)
Peak weeks Jan 01-Jan 07, Jan 08-Jan 14, Jan 15-Jan 21 (10 more)
Early date 04 Oct 1998
Late date 23 Mar 2024
The most recent record was a long-staying individual at Lim Chu Kang in 2024. Often difficult to tell apart from Eastern Yellow Wagtail - check out our species page linked above for key identifying features!

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

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