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Glite Dictionary
red-backed sandpiper

red-backed sandpiper

9.4
A small wading bird with a red back that breeds in the Arctic and flies south in winter
  • noun
translation icon : playero de lomo rojo
  • We spotted a red-backed sandpiper feeding along the muddy shoreline during our birdwatching trip.

Examples

  • The distinct plumage helps identify the red-backed sandpiper among other wading birds.

  • The red-backed sandpiper is known for its unique migration patterns.

  • Every winter, the red-backed sandpiper migrates thousands of miles to warmer southern regions.

  • Many birdwatchers enjoy spotting the red-backed sandpiper during migration.

  • Every winter, the red-backed sandpiper migrates thousands of miles to warmer southern regions.

  • We spotted a red-backed sandpiper feeding along the muddy shoreline during our birdwatching trip.

  • Many birdwatchers enjoy spotting the red-backed sandpiper during migration.

Synonyms

dunlin
vsred-backed sandpiper
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A small shore bird with a long slightly curved bill and a dark belly patch in summer

focuses on breeding and migration without mentioning plumage details
Erolia alpina
vsred-backed sandpiper
  • Specialized
9.9

A small sandpiper that breeds in Arctic regions and winters on warmer coasts

is the everyday name rather than the scientific term

Surface Forms

red-backed sandpiper singular
red-backed sandpipers plural

Morphology

red-backed + sandpiper

The phrase is straightforwardly compositional: 'red-backed' describes having a red back and 'sandpiper' names a small shoreline bird, so together they mean a sandpiper with a red-colored back. This adjective+noun pattern is common and cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents would readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Red-backed sandpiper names a bird you can easily picture: a sandpiper with a reddish back. That clear image explains the name and reminds you this small 'bird' often 'moves south' in winter.