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

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)

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

Danced a reel with Miss Wagtail and little Tom Tit.

From The Peacock 'At Home' AND The Butterfly's Ball AND The Fancy Fair by Dorset, Catherine Ann Turner

The Grey Wagtail does not commonly build its nest in the southern counties of England, although instances have occurred.

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

"Snowball, Patpaw, and Wagtail would do, I think," said Wee, stroking the cat, who rubbed against her, purring very loud.

From Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag VI An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving, Etc. by Alcott, Louisa May