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".

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. Records currently under review are also not displayed. For a full list, click here.

Migrant bar chart (see more bar charts):

Citrine Wagtail at Bhutan. Photo Credit: Francis Yap
Citrine Wagtail at Bhutan. Photo Credit: Francis Yap
Citrine Wagtail at Bhutan. Photo Credit: Francis Yap
External Links:

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

Singapore Birds Project. (n.d.). Citrine Wagtail. Retrieved on May 31, 2023 from https://singaporebirds.com/species/citrine-wagtail.