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Wagtails: meaning, definitions and examples

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wagtails

 

[ หˆwรฆษกหŒteษชl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

bird species

Wagtails are small to medium-sized birds belonging to the family Motacillidae. They are known for their characteristic tail movement, which involves wagging or flicking, giving rise to their name. Wagtails typically inhabit open country, gardens, and near water, where they forage for insects and other small invertebrates.

Synonyms

Motacilla, water wagtail

Examples of usage

  • The wagtails danced around the water's edge.
  • I spotted a yellow wagtail near the pond.
  • Wagtails are often seen in parks and gardens.
  • During spring, wagtails can be heard singing melodically.

Translations

Translations of the word "wagtails" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น pรกssaros-รกgua

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคตเคพเค—เคŸเฅ‡เคฒเฅเคธ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Wagtails

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ burung wagtail

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะปั–ั‚ะบะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ wagtail

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒฏใ‚ฐใƒ†ใ‚คใƒซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท bergeronnettes

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ aguzani

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท su kuลŸlarฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์™œ๊ฐ€๋ฆฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุทุงุฆุฑ ุงู„ูˆุงุบุชุงูŠู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ wagtail

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ wagtail

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆฐด้ธฒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ vodne ptice

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ vatnashani

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ััƒ า›าฑัั‚ะฐั€ั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฌแƒงแƒšแƒ˜แƒก แƒคแƒ แƒ˜แƒœแƒ•แƒ”แƒšแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ su quลŸlarฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ wagtails

Etymology

The term 'wagtail' originates from the combination of 'wag' and 'tail'. The verb 'wag' derives from the Old English word 'waggan', which means to move back and forth or shake. This reflects the distinctive behavior of these birds as they flick their tail up and down while foraging. The Old English roots indicate a history of the word that ties closely to the birdโ€™s behavior, as the act of wagging is central to their identity. The suffix 'tail' is derived from the Old English 'tรฆgle', meaning the rear appendage of an animal. As a group, wagtails have attracted the attention of birdwatchers due to their lively antics and striking designs, with different species exhibiting varying colors and patterns. The name has been utilized in common parlance since at least the 16th century to define these charming avian creatures, reflecting their playful nature and ubiquitous presence in diverse habitats.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,829, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.