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broadbill

broadbill

9.8
A tropical heron with a wide bill that often wades in shallow water at dusk
  • noun
  • /ˈbrɔːdˌbɪl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : garza de pico ancho
  • The broadbill is easily recognized by its distinctive broad bill, which it uses to hunt for small fish.

Examples

  • The broadbill is often seen wading in shallow waters at dusk.

  • I spotted a broadbill near the riverbank yesterday.

  • Scientists are studying the unique feeding habits of the broadbill.

  • The broadbills build their nests among tall reeds by the river.

  • The broadbill waded through the shallow waters searching for fish.

  • While birdwatching, we were thrilled to catch a glimpse of the broadbill gliding gracefully over the water.

  • Due to its vibrant plumage, the broadbill is a favorite subject for wildlife photographers.

Synonyms

Cochlearius cochlearius
vsbroadbill
  • Specialized
9.9

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

is stated as related to night herons and known for a broad bill
boat-billed heron
vsbroadbill
  • Specialized
9.9

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

is the broader term noting relation to night herons and the broad bill
boatbill
vsbroadbill
  • Specialized
9.9

A tropical American heron with a wide boat-shaped bill

is the broader, general name for a related tropical heron without focus on bill

Surface Forms

broadbill singular
broadbills plural

Morphology

broadbill = broad + bill (transparent) = broad + bill

Descriptive compound naming a heron by its wide bill; meaning follows directly from components.

Etymology

Broadbill comes from the plain English parts broad ('wide') and bill ('beak'). This heron is called a broadbill because its wide bill helps it catch food in shallow water, so the name points to how the bird feeds.