wagtail

American  

[wag-teyl] / ˈwægˌteɪl /

noun

1. any of numerous small, chiefly Old World birds of the family Motacillidae, having a slender body with a long, narrow tail that is habitually wagged up and down.

2. any of several similar birds, as the water thrushes of the genus Seiurus.

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wagtail British  

/ ˈwæɡˌteɪl /

noun

1. any of various passerine songbirds of the genera Motacilla and Dendronanthus, of Eurasia and Africa, having a very long tail that wags when the bird walks: family Motacillidae

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Etymology

Origin of wagtail

First recorded in 1500–10; wag + tail ¹

Example Sentences

The Grey Wagtail is among the most elegant and graceful of British birds, and in delicacy of colouring is surpassed by few.

From British Birds in their Haunts by Johns, Rev. C. A.

Sammie and Susie Littletail, my rabbit friends, and Johnnie and Billie Bushytail, the squirrels, as well as Nannie and Billie Wagtail, the goats, go there.

From Uncle Wiggily and Old Mother Hubbard Adventures of the Rabbit Gentleman with the Mother Goose Characters by Garis, Howard Roger

“Oh! oh!” cried Paul, whilst Wagtail threw himself on the sofa, and roared with laughter.

From Hair Breadth Escapes Perilous incidents in the lives of sailors and travelers in Japan, Cuba, East Indies, etc., etc. by Arthur, T. S. (Timothy Shay)

Danc’d a reel with Miss Wagtail, and little Tom Tit.

From The Peacock 'At Home:' A Sequel to the Butterfly's Ball by Dorset, Catherine Ann Turner

Wagtail took a piece of the biscuit and put it into his mouth.

From Hair Breadth Escapes Perilous incidents in the lives of sailors and travelers in Japan, Cuba, East Indies, etc., etc. by Arthur, T. S. (Timothy Shay)