Motacilla citreola
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Mass
~20 g
Habitat
Wetlands and marshes
Diet
Fish and aquatic animals
How to recognize it
The Citrine Wagtail looks light and restless, with a long tail that is always in motion. In breeding plumage, the male stands out most clearly by his bright head and clean, fresh contrast of dark above and yellow below.
It moves constantly and keeps bobbing its tail as it goes. It stays in open places and usually keeps close to water, where it can pick off insects on the move.
It breeds in wet meadows and tundra, then moves south to South Asia for winter. Outside the breeding season, it may turn up in a wider range of open, damp places along its route.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
The Citrine Wagtail looks light and restless, with a long tail that is always in motion. In breeding plumage, the male stands out most clearly by his bright head and clean, fresh contrast of dark above and yellow below.
It moves constantly and keeps bobbing its tail as it goes. It stays in open places and usually keeps close to water, where it can pick off insects on the move.
It breeds in wet meadows and tundra, then moves south to South Asia for winter. Outside the breeding season, it may turn up in a wider range of open, damp places along its route.
