Western Yellow Wagtail
Western Yellow Wagtail
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The Yellow Wagtail, Motacilla flava, is a charming and widespread small passerine bird belonging to the wagtail family, Motacillidae. It is renowned for its vibrant yellow underparts, especially in males, and its characteristic tail-wagging behavior. This highly migratory species is a familiar sight across vast temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Where to spot
Yellow Wagtails prefer open, low-lying habitats such as wet meadows, pastures, cultivated fields, and marshy areas, often close to water bodies. They are frequently observed foraging on the ground among short vegetation.
How to spot
To spot a Yellow Wagtail, look for its distinctive bright yellow belly and olive-green back, combined with its constant, rhythmic tail-wagging. Males often have striking head patterns that vary by subspecies. Listen for its sharp, high-pitched 'tsee-eep' call, often given in flight or from a low perch. They are typically active during the day, scurrying across the ground in search of insects.
When to spot
As a migratory species, Yellow Wagtails are typically observed on their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia during the spring and summer months (April to September). During autumn and spring migration, they can be seen passing through various stopover sites. In their wintering grounds in Africa and South Asia, they are present from autumn through spring.
Where to spot
Yellow Wagtails prefer open, low-lying habitats such as wet meadows, pastures, cultivated fields, and marshy areas, often close to water bodies. They are frequently observed foraging on the ground among short vegetation.
How to spot
To spot a Yellow Wagtail, look for its distinctive bright yellow belly and olive-green back, combined with its constant, rhythmic tail-wagging. Males often have striking head patterns that vary by subspecies. Listen for its sharp, high-pitched 'tsee-eep' call, often given in flight or from a low perch. They are typically active during the day, scurrying across the ground in search of insects.
When to spot
As a migratory species, Yellow Wagtails are typically observed on their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia during the spring and summer months (April to September). During autumn and spring migration, they can be seen passing through various stopover sites. In their wintering grounds in Africa and South Asia, they are present from autumn through spring.
Credits:
fotoblend
Credits:
fotoblend
Credits:
Ouwesok
Credits:
d50harry123
The Yellow Wagtail has a remarkable number of recognized subspecies, often distinguished by unique head patterns in males, making their identification a fascinating challenge for birdwatchers.
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