The family Motacillidae comprises small to medium-sized passerine birds commonly known as wagtails, pipits, and longclaws. They are typically slender, ground-dwelling insectivores found across Europe, Asia, Africa, and parts of the Americas. Members of this family are characterized by their long tails, which they frequently wag up and down, and their slender bills adapted for catching insects. They generally prefer open habitats such as grasslands, meadows, and riverbanks, and are known for their migratory behavior in temperate regions. Motacillids often exhibit cryptic plumage that blends with their environment, aiding in camouflage, and they play an important role in controlling insect populations.