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Glite Dictionary
Podiceps grisegena

Podiceps grisegena

9.9
A large stocky water bird with a dark reddish-brown neck found in northern lakes and coastal waters
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Podiceps grisegena
  • The Podiceps grisegena builds its nest in shallow lakes in northern Europe and North America.

Examples

  • During migration, flocks of Podiceps grisegena are sometimes seen along coastal waters.

  • Birdwatchers spotted a Podiceps grisegena swimming gracefully across the reservoir.

  • The Podiceps grisegena is known for its striking plumage.

  • I spotted a Podiceps grisegena during my birdwatching trip.

  • Birdwatchers spotted a Podiceps grisegena swimming gracefully across the reservoir.

  • During migration, flocks of Podiceps grisegena are sometimes seen along coastal waters.

  • The Podiceps grisegena builds its nest in shallow lakes in northern Europe and North America.

Synonyms

red-necked grebe
vsPodiceps grisegena
  • Specialized
9.9

A large water bird with a dark red neck that lives in cold northern lakes

refers to a specific grebe species notable for its dark rufous neck

Surface Forms

Podiceps grisegena singular
Podiceps grisegenas plural

Morphology

Podiceps + grisegena

This is a Latin binomial (scientific) name: while 'Podiceps' signals it is a grebe, 'grisegena' is not an English lexical item but a species epithet. As a proper name for a specific species rather than a compositional English phrase, its full referential meaning cannot be derived by a B1 learner from the constituent parts.

Etymology

Podiceps grisegena is a scientific name made from Latin words that paint a simple picture: Podiceps points to the bird's legs set far back on the body ('back legs') and grisegena means 'grey-cheeked'. So the name helps you imagine a stocky grebe with rear-set feet and grey cheeks, a useful memory for this large, dark-necked bird.