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Glite Dictionary
European sandpiper

European sandpiper

7.9
A small bird that wades in shallow water on European coasts and mudflats
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : aguja europea
  • The European sandpiper is often seen along estuaries and mudflats during migration season.

Examples

  • Researchers observed several European sandpipers feeding in the shallow waters of the river.

  • Birdwatchers were excited to spot a rare European sandpiper in the coastal reserve.

  • The European sandpiper is known for its long legs.

  • Many European sandpipers migrate during the winter.

  • Birdwatchers were excited to spot a rare European sandpiper in the coastal reserve.

  • Researchers observed several European sandpipers feeding in the shallow waters of the river.

  • The European sandpiper is often seen along estuaries and mudflats during migration season.

Synonyms

Actitis hypoleucos
vsEuropean sandpiper
  • Specialized
9.9

A small bird that walks and feeds at the edge of rivers and lakes

is the everyday English name rather than the Latin scientific form

Surface Forms

European sandpiper singular
European sandpipers plural

Morphology

European + sandpiper

The phrase simply combines 'European' (from Europe) with 'sandpiper' (a type of shorebird) to mean a sandpiper found in Europe, so the overall meaning is directly derivable from the constituents. This adjectival noun-modifier pattern is common across languages, making it immediately comprehensible to a B1 learner who knows both words.

Etymology

European sandpiper may come from a simple picture: the bird runs on the sand at the shore and makes a high 'pipe' or whistle sound, so people called it a sandpiper. That's why the name tells us it is a small shore bird found in Europe.