Podiceps nigricollis

9.9

A small water bird with a black neck and yellow feathers by its ears

noun

Specialized

: zampullín de cuello negro

The striking yellow ear tufts make the Podiceps nigricollis easy to identify in the wild.

Examples

During migration, the Podiceps nigricollis gathers in large flocks on saline lakes.
The Podiceps nigricollis is often seen in wetlands.
Birdwatchers were excited to spot a Podiceps nigricollis in the wetlands of southern Africa.
Have you spotted a Podiceps nigricollis this season?
Birdwatchers were excited to spot a Podiceps nigricollis in the wetlands of southern Africa.
During migration, the Podiceps nigricollis gathers in large flocks on saline lakes.
The striking yellow ear tufts make the Podiceps nigricollis easy to identify in the wild.

Synonyms

black-necked grebe

vsPodiceps nigricollis

9.6

A small water bird with a black neck and bright yellow ear tufts

has identical meaning but uses the scientific name

eared grebe

vsPodiceps nigricollis

8.2

A small water bird with yellow feathers near its ears and a black neck

is the scientific name often used in formal identification

Surface Forms

Podiceps nigricollis singular

Podiceps nigricollis plural

Morphology

Podiceps + nigricollis

This is a Latin binomial (scientific) name rather than an English compositional phrase: 'nigricollis' is not an English word and is undefined here, and the form is taxonomic rather than semantically transparent. A B1 learner who knows the listed constituents would not be able to derive the common-name meaning ('black-necked grebe') without specialized knowledge of Latin or biology, so the expression is opaque.

Etymology

Podiceps nigricollis comes from old Latin words. Podiceps means 'rear-foot' because the bird's feet are set far back on its body, and nigricollis means 'black-neck', so the name helps you remember this small water bird with a dark neck and back-set feet.