/
Widespread and fairly common over much of Asia; rare to western Europe.
Not listed
At a glance
FamilyWagtails and Pipits
SizeSmall
RarityRare
HabitatGrassland, Herbaceous Graminoids Sparse Hummock Grasses, Open woodland, Sparse woodland, and Woody Trees Scattered
Best timeMost reliable in New South Wales from August to September.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by David Darrell-Lambert
Range map
Range map
7visible hotspots
127visible records
4states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Breeding males spectacular and unmistakable: bright yellow head and body contrasts with black collar and gray (most of range) or black (central and southern Asia) back. Females and non breeding males less conspicuous, dull yellow with dark cheek patch isolated in yellow face and a gray crown and back. Juveniles have same cheek pattern but are dingy grayish overall without yellow tones (or just faint yellow face). White wingbars conspicuous in all plumages; also note pale lores.
Behavior
More tied to water than Eastern Yellow, Western Yellow, or White Wagtail; usually seen at marshes and lake edges.
Gallery