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Podilymbus podiceps

Podilymbus podiceps

9.9
A small waterbird that lives in ponds and marshes with a short white bill marked by a black band
  • proper noun
  • /ˈpɒdɪlɪmˌbəs pəˈdaɪsɛps/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Podilymbus podiceps
  • The Podilymbus podiceps can be recognized by its unique black-banded bill during breeding season.

Examples

  • Birdwatchers flock to wetlands to catch a glimpse of Podilymbus podiceps swimming among the reeds.

  • In the guidebook, Podilymbus podiceps is listed as a common resident of North American marshes.

  • The Podilymbus podiceps is known for its unique appearance.

  • Have you ever seen a Podilymbus podiceps in the wild?

  • Podilymbus podiceps is often spotted diving for fish in quiet, shallow waters of North America.

  • During migration, the Podilymbus podiceps can be seen in both freshwater and saltwater environments.

  • In many wetlands, the Podilymbus podiceps is a familiar sight, often nesting in the dense vegetation.

Synonyms

pied-billed grebe
vsPodilymbus podiceps
  • US
8.9

A small North American water bird with a white bill marked by a black band

is the scientific name used in taxonomy rather than the everyday name

Surface Forms

Morphology

Podilymbus + Podiceps

This is a Latin binomial (genus + species); if a learner knows both constituents are names of grebes they can infer it denotes a kind of grebe (i.e. a species name). However the specific common name 'pied‑billed grebe' and the bird's distinctive features are not derivable from the Latinized names alone for an average B1 learner, so the relation is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Podilymbus podiceps is a scientific name built from a root about feet. The first part pod- means 'foot', and it points to the grebe's strong feet set far back on the body for diving, so the name helps you remember this small diving waterbird.