Diptail was a magpie in General Ironbeak's army during the siege of Redwall Abbey. He had two brothers named Quickbill and Brightback. He and his brothers were used in foraging and scouting missions, serving as the primary supply line for the army. Recognizing this, Constance and several others were able to temporarily capture the magpies for an exchange of hostages. In the final battle, he and his brothers were captured. Later they were freed and ordered to fly back to the Northlands under the watch of Stryk Redkite.