Is this a Yellow Wagtail? - in Japan

[David in Miyazaki]

Am I correct to identify this as a yellow wagtail. I believe they are not common here. Seen 8th Feb 08, in Miyazaki Kyushu, Japan

http://surfbirds.com/albums/showphoto.php?photo=5859

[Brian S]

David

If the photo is the one in your album, then I would say yes. It looks rather like a taivana, poss. first-winter, byt the strong and contrasting head pattern.

http://surfbirds.com/albums/showphoto.php?photo=5859http://surfbirds.com/albums/showphoto.php?photo=5859

These eastern yellow wagtails are possibly a separate species from western birds, with taivana, macronyx and tschutschensis being genetically closer to Grey Wagtail.

Brian S

[David in Miyazaki]

Sorry Brian, I forgot to give the question a photo link. But you are correct it is the one you have found in the album. It was a first for me, so it was nice to have some varification.