A lanky, pipit-like Eurasian bird; breeds in parts of Alaska. Alternate male has yellow underparts, greenish back, gray wings, relatively long black tail with white outer feathers, white throat and supercilium, black cheeks and crown, and short, thin, black bill. Female and basic male are similar with slightly duller plumage. First-year birds are gray overall, lacking yellow and green tones, but have same overall pattern. Recently split from other forms of the Yellow Wagtail complex; those that have occurred in North America are Eastern Yellow Wagtails.

Length: 17 (cm) Wingspan: 24 (cm)

Habitat:

Open ground, wet edges, fields, riverbanks.

Behavior:

Habitually pumps tail up and down and bobs head, while walking carefully on ground. Nest is is a woven cup. Generally found alone or in pairs.

Feeding:

Forages by walking along the ground; eats a variety of small insects and occasionally fruit and seeds.