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Glite Dictionary
Aythya valisineria

Aythya valisineria

9.9
A large North American wild duck called the canvasback with a reddish head and a long sloping beak
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Aythya valisineria
  • Unlike the mallard, the Aythya valisineria prefers to feed on wild celery in wetlands.

Examples

  • Hunting regulations have helped protect the population of Aythya valisineria during the winter season.

  • Hunters often seek the Aythya valisineria during the season.

  • The Aythya valisineria migrates across North America and is highly sought after by birdwatchers.

  • The Aythya valisineria is known for its distinctive red head.

  • The Aythya valisineria is a favorite among hunters due to its prized taste and challenge to catch.

  • During the fall migration, many birdwatchers eagerly look for the Aythya valisineria in the wetlands.

  • The male Aythya valisineria is easily recognized by its striking red head and black neck.

Synonyms

canvasback
vsAythya valisineria
  • US
1 8.8

A large North American duck with a red head often hunted for food

is the formal name used in the main entry, identical in meaning
canvasback duck
vsAythya valisineria
  • US
8.1

A large wild North American duck with a sloping profile and red head prized by hunters for its meat

is identical in meaning but lacks the anatomical emphasis

Surface Forms

Aythya valisineria singular
Aythya valisinerias plural

Morphology

Aythya + valisineria

This is a Latin binomial (scientific) name for a species; its referent 'canvasback' (a type of duck) cannot be derived from the literal constituents. One constituent is a technical genus label and the other is not attested in the learner-facing dictionary, so a B1 learner who knows the parts would not be able to predict the species meaning.

Etymology

Aythya valisineria may come from old words that describe the bird and the plant it eats. The part Aythya means a 'diving bird' and valisineria comes from the water plant 'wild celery', so the name points to a duck that dives for and eats wild celery.