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Glite Dictionary
Calidris ferruginea

Calidris ferruginea

9.9
A small shorebird with a long bill that curves down and migrates long distances
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Calidris ferruginea
  • Unlike many other sandpipers, the Calidris ferruginea has a distinctively downcurved bill.

Examples

  • The Calidris ferruginea migrates long distances between Eurasia and Africa every year.

  • Birdwatchers were excited to spot a rare Calidris ferruginea on the mudflats this spring.

  • The Calidris ferruginea is known for its long migrations.

  • Many birdwatchers seek the Calidris ferruginea during migration season.

  • Many birdwatchers seek the Calidris ferruginea during migration season.

  • The Calidris ferruginea migrates long distances between Eurasia and Africa every year.

  • Birdwatchers were excited to spot a rare Calidris ferruginea on the mudflats this spring.

Synonyms

curlew sandpiper
vsCalidris ferruginea
  • UK
9.9

A small migratory bird with a long curved bill that feeds on mudflats

is the scientific Latin name used in formal classification

Surface Forms

Calidris ferruginea singular
Calidris ferrugineas plural

Morphology

Calidris + ferruginea

This is a Latin binomial taxonomic name rather than a productive English compound; its meaning (the curlew sandpiper) is a specialist label not compositionally built from everyday English words. The first element might hint at a shorebird genus, but the second element is a Latin adjective (here undefined for learners), so a B1 learner who only knows the listed constituents would not reliably infer the species meaning.

Etymology

Calidris ferruginea may come from old names for shore birds and colour: Calidris was an ancient word for small birds by the sea and ferruginea means 'rust-coloured' in Latin. So the name paints a picture of a small shore bird with rusty feathers and a curved bill, which helps you remember it is the 'curlew sandpiper'.