The Arctic-nesting Eastern Yellow Wagtail is the only member of its Afro-Eurasian family to regularly occur in Canada, just reaching the western edge of the Yukon. This bright lemon-coloured bird gets its name from the constant movements it makes with its tail, exposing white outer tail feathers which contrast with the dark central feathers.
Eastern Yellow Wagtail
Motacilla tschutschensis
Photo:
The State of Canada's Birds is presented in partnership by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada.
Eastern Yellow Wagtail
Status and Trends
Distribution
Methods
The State of Canada's Birds is presented in partnership by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada.
Did you know
Summary
Trend
Data Deficient
Confidence: Data Deficient
Goal
Data Deficient
The Eastern Yellow Wagtail breeds primarily in northern Eurasia. The easternmost limits of its breeding range extend through Alaska to Yukon's North Slope and occasionally the Mackenzie River delta in the Northwest Territories. The Canadian population migrates west and south to overwinter in southeast Asia. Although the size of the Canadian population is unknown, it is very likely less than 500, and under 1% of the global total, which represents a very low responsibility for Canada. Data are currently insufficient to estimate trends or set a goal for the Canadian population.
Migration Strategy
Long-distance
Canadian Responsibility
Population Estimates
Breeding
500
Annual
500
Global
20,000,000
Related readings
Summary report
View the report
Trends from this species and others are rolled up into The State of Canada’s Birds Summary Report. Follow the link below to view the report, learn more about birds in Canada, and see how we can all help birds.
This species is included in the following analysis groups for the report:
Long-Distance Migrants
Arctic Birds
Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada. 2024. The State of Canada’s Birds – Eastern Yellow Wagtail. Data accessed from NatureCounts, Birds Canada.
https://doi.org/10.71842/8ysf-h580
The State of Canada's Birds is presented in partnership by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada.
Did you know
The Arctic-nesting Eastern Yellow Wagtail is the only member of its Afro-Eurasian family to regularly occur in Canada, just reaching the western edge of the Yukon. This bright lemon-coloured bird gets its name from the constant movements it makes with its tail, exposing white outer tail feathers which contrast with the dark central feathers.
Distribution and Occurrence
16200
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Related readings
Summary report
View the report
Trends from this species and others are rolled up into The State of Canada’s Birds Summary Report. Follow the link below to view the report, learn more about birds in Canada, and see how we can all help birds.
This species is included in the following analysis groups for the report:
Long-Distance Migrants
Arctic Birds
Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada. 2024. The State of Canada’s Birds – Eastern Yellow Wagtail. Data accessed from NatureCounts, Birds Canada.
https://doi.org/10.71842/8ysf-h580