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Glite Dictionary
boatbill

boatbill

9.9
A tropical American heron with a wide boat-shaped bill
  • noun
  • /ˈboʊtˌbɪl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : garza pico de barco
  • Its unique, spoon-shaped bill distinguishes the boatbill from other herons.

Examples

  • The boatbill can be found along the rivers and streams of Central and South America.

  • Birdwatchers were thrilled to spot a boatbill in the rainforest.

  • The boatbill is known for its distinctive bill shape.

  • Many boatbills inhabit the wetlands of South America.

  • Birdwatchers were thrilled to spot a boatbill in the rainforest.

  • The boatbill can be found along the rivers and streams of Central and South America.

  • Many boatbills inhabit the wetlands of South America.

Synonyms

boat-billed heron
vsboatbill
  • Specialized
9.9

A tropical bird with a wide, boat-shaped beak that hunts fish

is the same bird but without the scientific name in its description
Cochlearius cochlearius
vsboatbill
  • Specialized
9.9

A large bird that walks in shallow water with a broad, boat-shaped bill and is active at night

focuses on physical features without mentioning nocturnal behavior
broadbill
vsboatbill
  • Specialized
9.8

A tropical heron with a wide bill that often wades in shallow water at dusk

describes a distinctly boat-shaped bill rather than a general broad form

Surface Forms

boatbill singular
boatbills plural

Morphology

boatbill = boat + bill (transparent) = boat + bill

The name directly describes a bird with a bill shaped like a boat, so the components give a clear clue to the meaning for an average learner.

Etymology

Boatbill comes from the simple English words boat and bill, because this heron has a wide, 'boat-shaped' bill. So the name helps you picture the bird by its broad, boat-like beak.