The DHOBIN (_Motacilla Dukhunensis_) is the Indian representative of
the species just described. During the summer this bird is pale grey on
the back and scapulars, a supercilian streak, the nape, wings, centre
feathers of the tail, the throat, and breast, are black; the eyebrows, a
spot on the wings, the exterior tail-feathers, and belly are white, and
the secondary quills are dark grey, bordered with white. In the winter
the chin, throat, and region of the eye, are white, and only a small
black spot is visible on the breast; the top of the head and nape are
then grey. The eye is brown, and the beak and feet black. The length of
this species is from seven inches and a half to eight inches; the wing
measures three inches and five-eighths; and the tail four inches and
three-quarters.
The Dhobin is met with throughout the whole of Ceylon and Southern and
Central India, and is very common in the Deccan; it usually makes its
appearance in October, and remains till March or April. It is at present
unknown where this species breeds; and we have but little information
respecting its habits, except that it lives in close proximity to houses,
frequently entering within doors to seize the flies as they skim about
the rooms; during the day it remains solitary, but in the evening goes
with its companions to the margin of some stream or other piece of water,
there to pass the night.
This bird closely resembles the _Motacilla alba_ of Europe, but is
distinguished by its great ear patch, and by the blackness of the
ear-feathers, and of the neck all round. "This Wagtail," says Jerdon,
"is found throughout Southern and Central India, extending into the
North-western Provinces, Sindh, the Punjaub, and Afghanistan. Adams,
however, says that he did not see it in Peshawur, and that the former
species is the Common Wagtail of Cashmere. It is also found in Ceylon. It
is not very abundant in the extreme south of the peninsula, but is very
common in the Deccan and in Central India, coming in about the middle
of October and leaving in March or April. It is a very familiar bird,
feeding close to houses, stables, and in gardens; often, indeed, entering
verandahs, and coming into an open room if not disturbed. It runs about
briskly after small insects, and is very active in catching the flies
that infest the vicinity of stables and outhouses. A small party of these
birds may often be seen towards evening on the bank of a river or tank,
though, when feeding, they are usually solitary."