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Balaeniceps

Balaeniceps

9.9
A large wading bird from Africa with a shoe-shaped bill
  • noun
  • /ˌbælɪˈniːsɛps/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Balaeniceps
  • Ornithologists classify the shoebill under the genus Balaeniceps.

Examples

  • The shoebill, a member of the Balaeniceps genus, is often seen wading in the swamps of Uganda.

  • The Balaeniceps is best known for its striking shoe-shaped bill.

  • Members of the Balaeniceps genus are found in East Africa's wetlands.

  • The Balaeniceps is known for its unique shoe-shaped bill.

  • Look at that Balaeniceps standing in the water!

  • Birdwatchers are excited to spot a Balaeniceps during their trips to African wetlands.

  • The conservation of the Balaeniceps is crucial due to its limited habitat in East Africa.

Compounds

Balaeniceps rex
  • Specialized
9.9

A large swamp bird with a big shoe-shaped bill from central Africa

Surface Forms

Balaeniceps singular
Balaenicepses plural

Etymology

Balaeniceps comes from Latin balaena 'whale' and the ending -ceps meaning 'head', the same -ceps you see in biceps. So it literally means 'whale-headed', a simple image to remember the shoebill's very large head and heavy, shoe-shaped bill.