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Glite Dictionary
Himantopus mexicanus

Himantopus mexicanus

9.9
A long-legged bird that wades in shallow water with black head and neck
  • noun
  • /hɪˈmæn.tə.pəs ˌmɛk.ɪˈkæn.əs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Himantopus mexicanus
  • Researchers observed a flock of Himantopus mexicanus wading through the shallow water in search of food.

Examples

  • The wetlands are home to many bird species, including the distinctive Himantopus mexicanus.

  • The Himantopus mexicanus is often seen wading in shallow waters.

  • Due to habitat loss, the population of Himantopus mexicanus has become a concern among conservationists.

  • Have you ever spotted a Himantopus mexicanus in the wild?

  • Researchers observed a flock of Himantopus mexicanus wading through the shallow water in search of food.

  • Due to habitat loss, the population of Himantopus mexicanus has become a concern among conservationists.

  • The wetlands are home to many bird species, including the distinctive Himantopus mexicanus.

Synonyms

black-necked stilt
vsHimantopus mexicanus
  • US
8.8

A long-legged wading bird with black head and neck that lives in American marshes

is the scientific species name for the same bird

Surface Forms

Himantopus mexicanus singular
Himantopus mexicanus plural

Morphology

Himantopus + mexicanus

This is a Latin binomial taxonomic name functioning as a label rather than a compositional English phrase; knowing the genus 'Himantopus' (a technical term) and an unfamiliar epithet like 'mexicanus' does not allow a B1 learner to infer the species' characteristics. At best a learner might guess a geographic link from 'mexicanus', but the specific meaning (plumage, range) is not predictable from the parts, so the expression is idiomatic/opaque to typical learners.

Etymology

Himantopus mexicanus may come from old Greek and a place name. Himantopus likely combines words meaning 'strap' and 'foot' because the bird has very long, thin legs like straps, and mexicanus means 'from Mexico', so the name shows a long-legged stilt from that region.