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Glite Dictionary
Aix sponsa

Aix sponsa

9.9
A brightly colored North American duck that nests in hollow trees
  • noun
  • /eɪks ˈspɒnsə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Aix sponsa
  • The brilliant plumage of the male Aix sponsa makes it one of North America's most attractive ducks.

Examples

  • Conservationists monitor Aix sponsa populations as an indicator of healthy forested wetlands.

  • Birdwatchers often hope to spot an Aix sponsa in wetland habitats during spring migration.

  • The Aix sponsa is known for its vibrant plumage.

  • Have you ever seen an Aix sponsa in the wild?

  • Birdwatchers often hope to spot an Aix sponsa in wetland habitats during spring migration.

  • The brilliant plumage of the male Aix sponsa makes it one of North America's most attractive ducks.

  • Conservationists monitor Aix sponsa populations as an indicator of healthy forested wetlands.

Synonyms

wood duck
vsAix sponsa
  • US
1 5.8

A brightly colored North American duck that nests in tree holes near water

is the Latin species name used in scientific contexts
summer duck
vsAix sponsa
  • US
9.0

A colorful North American bird that nests in holes in trees

is the Latin species name rather than the common label
wood widgeon
vsAix sponsa
  • US
8.8

A colorful duck from North America that nests in hollow trees

is the formal Latin species name rather than colloquial labels

Surface Forms

Aix sponsa singular
Aix sponsas plural

Morphology

Aix + sponsa

This is a Latin scientific binomial (proper name) rather than a compositional English phrase; the species identity 'wood duck' cannot be derived from the constituents. One element is not a common English word ('sponsa' is absent from the dictionary) and taxonomic names are language-specific labels, so a B1 learner knowing the listed components would not be able to infer the meaning.

Etymology

Aix sponsa comes from the Latin word sponsa, which means 'bride'. One popular story says people called the male bird this because its bright, showy feathers looked like a bride's fancy dress, so the name stuck for the wood duck.