Birds Around Me

The Citrine Wagtail, known in Hindi as सोनधोबी, is a graceful little bird that brightens India’s wetlands and fields with its cheerful presence. Its name beautifully combines son (gold/yellow) with dhobi (washerman), reflecting both its golden plumage and its characteristic tail-wagging habit.   Citrine Wagtail (Motacilla citreola) सोनधोबी Jabalpur, November 2017 This wagtail is a small, slender bird measuring about 16–18 cm in length. Breeding males are striking, with a bright yellow head, breast, and underparts, contrasted by grey wings and back. Females and non-breeding males are paler, but still show a yellow wash that makes them stand out. The long, constantly wagging tail is its most distinctive feature, helping birdwatchers identify it even from a distance.   Citrine Wagtail (Motacilla citreola) सोनधोबी Jabalpur, December 2025 The Citrine Wagtail breeds in Central Asia and the Himalayas, nesting near marshes and riverbanks. In winter, it migrates southwards, b...