Citrine Wagtail
Motacilla citreola
The Citrine Wagtail is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen during the spring and autumn, often in wetland areas such as marshes and coastal pools. It is most likely to be spotted in the southern and eastern parts of the country, particularly during periods of easterly winds.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Citrine Wagtail in the field.
The Citrine Wagtail can be identified by its bright yellow to yellow-green plumage, white wing bars, and distinctive black stripe above its eye. Its long, black tail with white outer feathers is also a key feature, often wagged up and down as it moves.
The Citrine Wagtail is slightly smaller than a Pied Wagtail, with a more slender build.
The male Citrine Wagtail has a bright yellow to yellow-green head, back, and breast, with a black stripe above its eye and white wing bars, while its belly and undertail coverts are white.
The female Citrine Wagtail is similar to the male, but with a slightly duller yellow plumage and a less pronounced black stripe above its eye.
The Citrine Wagtail's call is a sharp, high-pitched "tswee" or "tzee", often repeated in a series, while its song is a melodic, whistling phrase.
The Citrine Wagtail is an active, ground-dwelling bird that feeds on insects and small invertebrates, often running or walking to catch its prey, and frequently wagging its long tail as it moves.
The Citrine Wagtail can be confused with the Yellow Wagtail, but can be distinguished by its brighter yellow plumage, white wing bars, and black stripe above its eye, as well as its more slender build and longer tail.
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