The wagtail bird, known for its long tail that it constantly wags up and down, is a common sight across the Indian subcontinent. This lively little bird has different local names in the various languages and dialects spoken in the region. In Bengali, the most widely spoken language in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, the wagtail goes by a couple of different names.
The Common Bengali Names for the Wagtail
The two most commonly used Bengali names for the wagtail are:
- Khanjan
- Khonjan Pakhi
These names are used widely across West Bengal and Bangladesh, the two regions where Bengali is the primary language. The origins and etymology behind these two names are quite interesting.
Khanjan
The more colloquial name used by Bengalis for the wagtail is Khanjan. This onomatopoeic name seeks to phonetically imitate the ‘khan khan’ sound that is produced when a wagtail bobs its long tail up and down while walking. The constant motion of the wagtail’s tail as it bobs rhythmically makes a distinctive ‘khan khan khan’ sound as the tail feathers brush against each other. Bengalis derived the name Khanjan as an onomatopoeic reference to this sound.
Khonjan Pakhi
The more formal name used by Bengalis for the wagtail is Khonjan Pakhi. This name also has its roots in the onomatopoeic ‘khan khan’ sound produced by the wagtail’s tail. However, Pakhi means bird in Bengali. So Khonjan Pakhi essentially means ‘Khonjan bird’ in Bengali.
Other Regional Names for the Wagtail in India
Apart from the commonly used Bengali names of Khanjan and Khonjan Pakhi, the lively wagtail also has different colloquial names in other regional languages and dialects of India:
| Language | Names |
|---|---|
| Hindi | Dhirgantara |
| Marathi | Dhigate, Khajuria |
| Tamil | Vittukuvi, Vittilai |
| Telegu | Kundru |
| Kannada | Karikaga |
As we can see, different languages and dialects across India have their own colloquial names for this ever-active little bird with the wagging tail.
Scientific Name and Classification of the Wagtail
While it has numerous local and colloquial names, the wagtail has a formal scientific name as well. It is known as Motacilla in the scientific community. This genus includes the wagtails and pipits.
There are around 25 known species of wagtails and pipits under the Motacilla genus. They are broadly classified into a few categories:
- White Wagtails
- Yellow Wagtails
- Grey Wagtails
- Pipits
The most common species of wagtail found across India is the White Wagtail, scientifically known as Motacilla alba. Its scientific classification is:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Motacillidae
Genus: Motacilla
Species: Motacilla alba
Identifying Features of the White Wagtail
The White Wagtail Motacilla alba has some easily identifiable features:
- Slender bodies with long, constantly wagging tails
- Males and females have similar plumage
- Grey backs and white underparts
- Black crown, cheeks and breast bands
- Long legs suited for walking on banks of streams and rivers
- Constantly bobbing tail while walking or standing still
Habits and Habitat of the Wagtail
The lively wagtail can be spotted across a range of habitats in India:
- Along the grassy banks of rivers and lakes
- Marshy wetlands
- Rice fields
- Well-watered open grasslands
- Human settlements and urban areas
These omnivorous birds usually forage on the ground or in shallow water for insects, aquatic invertebrates and small fish. They sometimes even perch on trees and make aerial sallies to capture passing insects.
Wagtails are territorial and solitary birds except in the breeding season when they form breeding pairs. The male displays its bright plumage and wags its long tail vigorously during courtship displays to attract the female.
Wagtail Conservation Status
The Motacilla genus has a wide distribution range across Europe, Asia and parts of Africa. None of the wagtail and pipit species under this genus face any significant conservation threats as per the IUCN Red List.
The White Wagtail Motacilla alba, found commonly across India, has a ‘Least Concern’ status on the IUCN Red List. Its global population appears to be increasing rather than decreasing. These birds thrive in human modified environments and have adapted well to urbanization and agriculture.
However, usage of pesticides and insecticides in agricultural areas has reduced their insect food supply in some parts of their range. Climate change leading to changes in rainfall and drought patterns also poses a minor threat to these birds that feed near wetlands and waterbodies.
Cultural Significance of Wagtails in India
The playful wagtail has woven its way into the cultural fabric of India. Here are some interesting cultural associations linked to this bird:
- A wagtail sitting on the head of the idol of Jagannath is believed to be an auspicious sign by devotees.
- Wagtails find mention in Urdu poetry as a symbol of constant restlessness.
- The lively nature and ceaseless tail wagging of this bird has earned it nicknames like ‘pagla pakhi’ (mad bird) in Bengali.
- Their return from wintering grounds is seen as a sign of spring’s arrival by many communities in India.
Conclusion
With its characteristic tail wagging and constant motion, the lively wagtail holds a special place in India’s natural heritage and culture. Khanjan and Khonjan Pakhi are the most common Bengali names used for this bird that enlivens wetlands, fields and human settlements across the subcontinent with its energetic movements and cheery chirping.
