Wagtail Wagtails are passerine birds of the genus Motacilla in the family Motacillidae, named for their characteristic tail-pumping behavior. They are related to pipits and longclaws within the same family. Related Articles: Grey Wagtail Species Guide: Appearance, Diet, Habitat, Behavior, Stats, And Conservation StatusWhite Wagtail Species Guide: Appearance, Diet, Habitat, Behavior, Stats, And Conservation StatusGlossary: Pied WagtailGlossary: Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)