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Glite Dictionary
Anas penelope

Anas penelope

9.9
A freshwater duck from Europe, northern Asia, and northern Africa
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Anas penelope
  • Birdwatchers spotted several Anas penelope feeding along the quiet lakeshore.

Examples

  • The migratory pattern of Anas penelope brings it to northern Africa in the winter months.

  • A field guide can help distinguish Anas penelope from similar duck species.

  • The Anas penelope is often found in wetlands.

  • Many birdwatchers are excited to see the Anas penelope.

  • Birdwatchers spotted several Anas penelope swimming gracefully across the lake.

  • During the winter migration, Anas penelope can be seen in large flocks near the coast.

  • The Anas penelope is known for its distinctive whistling call that resonates in the early morning.

Synonyms

wigeon
vsAnas penelope
  • UK
9.9

A small freshwater duck with a round head and whistling call

focuses on the species name and broad Eurasian and North African range

Surface Forms

Anas penelope singular
Anas penelopes plural

Morphology

Anas + penelope

The genus name 'Anas' clearly signals a duck, so a learner who knows that constituent can infer this is a kind of duck; however the specific epithet 'penelope' does not transparently convey the species identity or meaning (it is a Latinized name rather than a descriptive word). Because the binomial tells you the class (duck) but not the precise common meaning (Eurasian wigeon) without prior exposure, the expression is only partially predictable.

Etymology

Anas penelope may come from old naming: Anas is Latin for 'duck' and penelope comes from an old Greek word, linked to the mythic Penelope, once used for water birds. So the name simply labels this species, the 'Eurasian wigeon'.