genus Limosa

9.5

Birds that wade and have long curved bills found in wet places

noun

Specialized

: género Limosa

Identification of the genus Limosa is based on their long, upturned bills and long legs.

Examples

Several species within the genus Limosa migrate thousands of miles each year.
The scientist observed members of the genus Limosa feeding along the mudflats.
The genus Limosa includes several species of godwits.
Birdwatchers often seek out the genus Limosa during migration season.
Birdwatchers often seek out the genus Limosa during migration season.
Several species within the genus Limosa migrate thousands of miles each year.
The scientist observed members of the genus Limosa feeding along the mudflats.

Synonyms

Limosa

vsgenus Limosa

Specialized

9.9

A group of large wading birds called godwits

emphasizes long bill and wetland or coastal habitat rather than family

Surface Forms

genus Limosa singular

genera Limosa plural

Morphology

genus + Limosa

This is compositional: 'genus' denotes a biological taxonomic group and 'Limosa' is the proper-name label for that group (godwits), so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it refers to the taxonomic group Limosa. Taxonomic naming follows similar conventions across languages, making the compound immediately interpretable rather than idiomatic.

Etymology

Genus Limosa comes from Latin and Limosa means 'muddy'. These long-billed wading birds search the mud on wet shores for food, so the name helps you remember they live in muddy coastal places.