Western Yellow Wagtail

Western Yellow Wagtail

Motacilla flava

Least Concern

Known for its vibrant yellow underparts and lively tail-wagging habit, the Yellow Wagtail is a charming small bird that can be found in open country across Europe and Asia. With its distinctive 'tsweep' call and acrobatic aerial displays, this long-distance migrant is a delightful sight, particularly in the springtime when it returns to its breeding grounds after wintering in Africa.

Appearance and Identification

Primary Color

Yellow

Primary Color (female)

Yellow

Primary Color (juvenile)

Yellow

Secondary Colors

Olive Green, White

Secondary Colors (female)

Olive Green, White

Secondary Colors (juvenile)

Olive Green, White

Secondary Colors (seasonal)

Wing Color

Olive Green

Wing Color (female)

Olive Green

Wing Color (juvenile)

Olive Green

Beak Type

Thin

Beak Color

Black

Beak Color (female)

Black

Beak Color (juvenile)

Black

Leg Color

Black

Leg Color (female)

Black

Leg Color (juvenile)

Black

Distinctive Markings

Yellow underparts, olive-greenish upperparts

Distinctive Markings (female)

Similar to male, but duller

Distinctive Markings (juvenile)

Similar to adults, but duller

Tail Description

Long and constantly wagging

Tail Description (female)

Long and constantly wagging

Tail Description (juvenile)

Long and wagging

Size Metrics

15cm to 17cm

Length

25cm to 30cm

Wingspan

11g to 26g

Weight

Photos

Click on an image below to see the full-size version

Vocalization and Sounds

Primary Calls

Distinctive 'tsweep' or 'tsli' call

Call Description

Series of high-pitched notes, often repeated in flight

Alarm Calls

Sharp, short chirps signaling distress or alert

Behavior and Social Structure

Daily Activities

Active during the day, foraging for food in the morning and evening

Social Habits

Mostly solitary, but forms pairs during breeding season

Territorial Behavior

Defends nesting territories, especially during mating season

Migratory Patterns

Undertakes annual long-distance migration between breeding and wintering grounds

Interaction with Other Species

Occasionally interacts with other bird species, particularly in feeding areas

Diet

Primary Diet

Insects, Worms

Feeding Habits

Catches prey on the ground, often following livestock to catch disturbed insects

Feeding Times

Throughout the day, peaking at dawn and dusk

Prey Capture Method

Ground foraging and aerial catching

Diet Variations

Varies with location, season, and prey availability

Special Dietary Needs (if any)

None known

Nesting

Nesting Location

On the ground, often in grassy or cultivated fields

Nest Construction

Small cup of grass and plant material, lined with hair and feathers

Breeding Season

Late spring to early summer

Number of clutches (per breeding season)

One or two

Egg Appearance

Pale grey or buff sometimes with dark spots

Egg Size

Approximately 2cm x 1.5cm

Clutch Characteristics

4-6 eggs

Incubation Period

Around 13 days

Fledgling Period

Approximately 2 weeks

Parental Care

Both parents incubate eggs and feed chicks

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Breeds across Europe and Asia, winters in Africa

Habitat Description

Open country, often near water. Cultivated fields, meadows, marshes

Elevation Range

Sea level to 4500m

Migration Patterns

Undertakes annual long-distance migration between breeding and wintering grounds

Biome

Grassland, Wetland

Climate zones

Temperate, Tropical

Distribution Map

Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.

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