Citrine Wagtail

The Citrine Wagtail, Motacilla citreola, is a small, captivating songbird, a member of the Motacillidae family. Its name, derived from the lemon-yellow hues that grace its plumage, is a delightful sight in the wild. This slender bird measures between 15.5 to 17 centimeters in length and is known for its long, expressive tail, which it wags with a rhythm that is characteristic of its genus.

Identification Tips

The adult male Citrine Wagtail, particularly in breeding plumage, is a study in contrast and color. Above, it sports a grey or black back, while its wings are adorned with white. The underparts and entire head shine with a bright yellow, save for the striking black nape. In its winter attire, the male's yellow is muted by white, and the head takes on a brownish tone with a yellowish supercilium. Females, meanwhile, present as paler versions of the males, especially when in their winter plumage.

Habitat

The Citrine Wagtail favors the openness of wet meadows and tundra, where water is a stone's throw away. It is in these damp environments that it thrives, finding the conditions ideal for its nesting and feeding habits.

Distribution

Breeding across the central Palearctic, the Citrine Wagtail is a migratory species that ventures to South Asia during the winter months, often ascending to highland regions. Its range is gradually extending westward, making it an increasingly common sight in western Europe, where it was once a rare vagrant.

Behaviour

This insectivorous bird is most at home in open country near water sources. It is a ground nester, laying a clutch of 4 to 5 speckled eggs, which it fiercely protects and nurtures.

Song & Calls

The Citrine Wagtail's vocalizations are as lively as its tail movements, a series of melodious chirps and trills that add a soundtrack to the habitats it frequents.

Breeding

During the breeding season, the Citrine Wagtail is a diligent parent. It constructs its nest on the ground, carefully selecting a site that offers both proximity to food sources and protection from predators.

Similar Species

The Citrine Wagtail is part of a cryptic species complex, which includes the eastern and western Yellow Wagtails. These birds share many characteristics, making identification a challenge and a subject of ongoing scientific debate.

Diet and Feeding

With a diet consisting primarily of insects, the Citrine Wagtail is a forager of the ground and air. It adeptly captures its prey, ensuring a steady diet to sustain itself and its offspring.

Conservation status

The Citrine Wagtail is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This status reflects a stable and widespread population, free from immediate threats of significant decline.