Species BirdsEastern Yellow Wagtail

Eastern Yellow Wagtail

Motacilla tschutschensis

RareBird
Illustration of Eastern Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla tschutschensis)

The Eastern Yellow Wagtail is a Siberian species that breeds in western Alaska, making it technically a North American bird, and occasionally strays to the Pacific Coast during migration. It is a slender, long-tailed bird with bright yellow underparts that wags its tail vigorously. Finding one outside Alaska is a sought-after rarity for birders.

Habitat
Wet tundra, marsh edges, and grassy areas near water
Diet
Insects and small invertebrates
How common
Rare

Best time to see a Eastern Yellow Wagtail

The best time to see a Eastern Yellow Wagtail is June, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 123 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Eastern Yellow Wagtail sightings near you

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