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Glite Dictionary
sawbill

sawbill

9.7
A large diving duck with a bill that has saw-like edges for catching fish
  • noun
  • /ˈsɔːˌbɪl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : pato buceador
  • The sawbill is known for its unique bill shape, which helps it catch fish easily.

Examples

  • During the winter, a sawbill can often be seen diving underwater in search of food.

  • Birdwatchers delight in spotting a sawbill as it gracefully navigates the lake.

  • I'm just sending out a mass email to all our reservations, said Bill Hansen of Sawbill Canoe Outfitters near Tofte.

    Blog text (29)

Synonyms

merganser
vssawbill
1 9.9

A large diving duck with a crest on its head and a narrow hooked bill that eats fish

is more general and refers to the whole group not only the species
fish duck
vssawbill
  • US
7.8

A large diving duck with a crest and a thin hooked bill for catching fish

is the common term that typically denotes the same diving duck group

Surface Forms

sawbill singular
sawbills plural

Morphology

sawbill = saw + bill (transparent) = saw + bill

The compound literally describes a 'bill' that is 'saw-like' (serrated), so the meaning is directly derivable from its parts.

Etymology

Sawbill comes from saw (a tool with teeth) and bill ('beak'). The name gives a clear picture: this duck has a toothed, saw-like beak that helps it catch fish.