Wagtails (known as খঞ্জন) are long-tailed, sparrow-sized songbirds related to pipits, with distinctive white outer feathers. They frequent streams, stagnant waters, and moist grasslands, feeding on seeds, insects, worms, small mollusks, and crustaceans. Wagtails are named after their characteristic habit of bobbing or wagging their tails. Males tend to be brighter in color than females. Their nests are made from moss, grass, and roots, lined with hair and feathers, and they typically lay four to six eggs that are bluish-white or brown with yellow spots.
Globally, there are about 12 species of wagtails with six species found in Bangladesh. Of these, one is resident and five are migratory. Notable species in Bangladesh include:
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Pakra Khanjon or White-browed Wagtail (পাকরা খঞ্জন, Motacilla maderaspatensis): A large black-and-white wagtail characterized by a prominent white eyebrow. Often found near streams and tanks.
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Ban Khanjon or Forest Wagtail (বন খঞ্জন, Dendronanthus indicus): Olive brown with yellow-spotted wings and a dark brown tail with white edges. Restricted to forested breeding grounds.
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White Wagtail (Motacilla alba): Found in open grasslands during winter, exhibiting reduced black bib.
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Khanjon or Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea): Mainly grey and yellow, frequenting stream banks.
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Citrine Wagtail (Motacilla citreola): Summer males have a bright yellow head; found scattered in marshlands.
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Halud Khanjon or Yellow Wagtail (হলুদ খঞ্জন, Motacilla flava): Slim, predominantly yellow bird frequently seen wagging its tail in marshy fields and pastures.
These birds are admired for their lively nature, tail wagging behavior, and are mostly migratory visitors in Bangladesh, with habitats spanning riverbanks, wetlands, and grasslands