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heathfowl

heathfowl

9.9
A large bird from northern Europe with black feathers and a curved tail
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : grouse negro
  • The male heathfowl is known for its striking black plumage and distinctive tail feathers.

Examples

  • During spring, the heathfowl can be seen performing elaborate courtship displays on the moors.

  • Many birdwatchers seek to spot the heathfowl in the wild.

  • Conservation efforts are underway to protect the threatened habitats of the heathfowl.

  • The heathfowl is known for its distinctive tail.

  • During spring, the heathfowl can be seen performing elaborate courtship displays on the moors.

  • The male heathfowl is known for its striking black plumage and distinctive tail feathers.

  • Conservation efforts are underway to protect the threatened habitats of the heathfowl.

Synonyms

grouse
vsheathfowl
11 8.1

A plump bird with feathered legs found in northern countries and hunted for food

is the particular northern species with black plumage and lyre-shaped tail
European black grouse
vsheathfowl
  • UK
8.7

A large black bird from northern Europe with a tail that curves like a lyre

is the common alternative name for the same bird
Lyrurus tetrix
vsheathfowl
  • Specialized
9.9

A large northern European grouse with males that are mostly black and tails shaped like a lyre

is the English descriptive name focused on appearance rather than scientific label
black grouse
vsheathfowl
  • UK
8.5

A large bird from Europe and Asia whose male is blue-black with a curved tail

is the same northern species described specifically as black rather than bluish-black

Surface Forms

heathfowl singular
heathfowls plural

Morphology

heathfowl = heath + fowl (transparent) = heath + fowl

The meaning is transparently a compound 'heath' + 'fowl' meaning a bird associated with heathland.

Etymology

Heathfowl is a simple compound: heath means the open, wild land of moors and low plants, and fowl means 'bird', so the word literally says 'a bird of the heath'. That's why the name fits the black grouse — a large, mostly black bird that lives on heaths and performs its courtship displays there.