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Glite Dictionary
red phalarope

red phalarope

9.1
A small bird that lives by northern seas and lakes and has bright red feathers in summer
  • noun
  • /rɛd ˈfæl.ə.roʊp/
translation icon : falaropo rojo
  • The red phalarope undergoes a remarkable plumage change during the breeding season.

Examples

  • Birdwatchers travel to northern lakes in summer hoping to see the elusive red phalarope.

  • A flock of red phalaropes was spotted feeding near the Arctic coastline.

  • The red phalarope is often seen near coastal waters.

  • During migration, many red phalaropes can be spotted.

  • A flock of red phalaropes was spotted feeding near the Arctic coastline.

  • Birdwatchers travel to northern lakes in summer hoping to see the elusive red phalarope.

  • The red phalarope undergoes a remarkable plumage change during the breeding season.

Synonyms

Phalaropus fulicarius
vsred phalarope
  • Specialized
9.9

A small bird that lives in northern oceans and lakes and has red breeding feathers and migrates long distances

refers to that bird by its common name and highlights its red breeding plumage

Surface Forms

red phalarope singular
red phalaropes plural

Morphology

red + phalarope

This is a straightforward adjective + noun composition: a B1 learner who knows 'red' and 'phalarope' can infer the phrase refers to a phalarope that is red in colour. Detailed species-specific information (migration, breeding plumage) is additional knowledge, but the basic referent is transparently derived from the constituents.

Etymology

Red phalarope may come from the bird's bright red breeding feathers and the group name phalarope, for small shore birds that often spin on the water to catch food. So the name points to a small red shore bird and helps you remember its red summer look and feeding habit.