Citrine wagtail

Motacilla citreola

The citrine wagtail is a small songbird in the family Motacillidae. Its systematics, phylogeny and taxonomy are subject of considerable debate in the early 21st century. This is because this bird forms a cryptic species complex with the eastern and western yellow wagtail. Which of the many taxa in this group should properly refer to which population is unlikely to be resolved in the immediate future.
Citrine Wagtail, juvenile seen at Eastern Range Citrine wagtail,Geotagged,India,Kaziranga,Motacilla citreola,Spring

Appearance

It is a slender, 15.5–17 cm long bird, with the long, constantly wagging tail characteristic of the genus "Motacilla". The adult male in breeding plumage is basically grey or black above, with white on the remiges, and bright yellow below and on the entire head except for the black nape. In winter plumage, its yellow underparts may be diluted by white, and the head is brownish with a yellowish supercilium. Females look generally like washed-out versions of males in winter plumage.
The Citrine wagtail This is a prime example of sitting still. I was say watching some black-winged stilts by the lake, when this guy just flew and stopped just in front of me...  sitting still is often the best way for bird photography! :)  Citrine wagtail,Geotagged,India,John Rowell,Motacilla citreola,Winter,adhocphotographer

Naming

The term "citrine" refers to its yellowish colouration.
Motacilla citreola my first encounter with this bird! Citrine wagtail,Fall,Geotagged,Israel,Motacilla citreola

Distribution

This species breeds in north central Asia in wet meadows and tundra. It migrates in winter to south Asia, often to highland areas. Its range is expanding westwards, and it is a rare but increasing vagrant to western Europe. Vagrants seem to extend the migration rather than straying en route; in Bhutan for example, though along one of the species' migration flyways, the citrine wagtail has been recorded as an extremely rare passer-by rather than staying even for a few days or weeks.
Citrine Wagtail  Citrine wagtail,Fall,Geotagged,Motacilla citreola,Oman

Food

It is an insectivorous bird of open country near water, such as wet meadows and bogs, and nests on the ground, laying 4–5 speckled eggs.

References:

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Status: Least concern
EX EW CR EN VU NT LC
Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionChordata
ClassAves
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyMotacillidae
GenusMotacilla
SpeciesM. citreola