Bird guideCitrine Wagtail

Widespread and fairly common over much of Asia; rare to western Europe.

⚠️Not listed

At a glance

FamilyWagtails and Pipits
SizeSmall
RarityRare
HabitatMore tied to water than Eastern Yellow, Western Yellow, or White Wagtail; usually seen at marshes and lake edges.
Best timeMost reliable in New South Wales from August to September.

Sounds

Sound sample
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Recorded by David Darrell-Lambert

Range map

Range map

7visible hotspots
127visible records
4states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence

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.

Regional timing

South Australia
Peak: December to January45 records
Northern Territory
Peak: July15 records
Western Australia
Peak: March18 records
New South Wales
Peak: August to September49 records
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