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Glite Dictionary
Egretta albus

Egretta albus

9.9
A large white heron found in the Americas that wades in shallow water to catch fish
  • noun
  • /ˈɛɡrɛtə ˈæl.bəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Egretta albus
  • The Egretta albus can often be seen wading in shallow wetlands hunting for fish.

Examples

  • Her research focused on the nesting habits of Egretta albus in Florida.

  • During migration season, many Egretta albus gather in large flocks along coastal lagoons.

  • Look at that beautiful Egretta albus!

  • I saw an Egretta albus in the wetlands yesterday.

  • During migration season, many Egretta albus gather in large flocks along coastal lagoons.

  • Her research focused on the nesting habits of Egretta albus in Florida.

  • The Egretta albus can often be seen wading in shallow wetlands hunting for fish.

Synonyms

American egret
vsEgretta albus
  • Specialized
6.6

A large white bird with a long neck and thin body that lives near water

is mainly known by its common name instead of by physical traits

Surface Forms

Egretta albus singular
Egretta albus plural

Morphology

Egretta + albus

The binomial name combines a known genus 'Egretta' (a slender heron) with the species epithet 'albus' (Latin for 'white'), so a learner who knows both constituents can directly infer 'white egret' or a white heron. Although 'albus' is Latin and may be unfamiliar to many learners, the compositional pattern of genus + descriptive epithet makes the meaning transparent to anyone who knows the parts.

Etymology

Egretta albus comes from Latin and French words: albus is Latin for 'white' and egretta comes from a French word for a 'small heron' or the little feather tufts these birds show. So the name simply describes a white heron, which is why it refers to the great egret.