Scientific Name: Motacilla tschutschensis
Malay Name: Pipit-Batu Zaitun Timur
Chinese Name: 黄鹡鸰
Range: Breeding range includes northeastern China, eastern Russia, Alaska. Wintering range includes most of Southeast Asia and includes Australia.
Taxonomy: Polytypic. Subspecies are: plexa, tschutschensis, macronyx, taivana.
Size: 17 cm
Identification: Amount of yellow on underparts variable, in non-breeding plumage generally has whitish underparts with greyish-brown upperparts. Individuals in breeding plumage observed in Singapore have grey cap and nape with all yellow throat and underparts. Compared to Grey Wagtail in non-breeding plumage, has dark legs, more olive or brownish mantle and lacks yellow rump.
Similar looking species: Citrine Wagtail, Grey Wagtail
Habitat: Variety of open habitats with grass cover, has preference for moist or 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: Uncommon migrant
Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2019)
Location: Recorded across many locations in Singapore, including Lim Chu Kang, Lorong Halus, Yishun.
- Subspecies identification of Eastern Yellow Wagtail in Singapore (ID Articles/Science)
- Status of the Oriental Turtle Dove in Singapore (Significant Records)
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 (Eastern Yellow Wagtail)
References:
BirdLife International. (2019). Motacilla tschutschensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T103822471A154735918.en. Accessed on 1 January 2023
RECOMMENDED CITATION
Bird Society of Singapore. (n.d.). Eastern Yellow Wagtail. Retrieved on May 7, 2024 from https://singaporebirds.com/species/eastern-yellow-wagtail.