brent goose
- noun
- /brɛnt ɡus/
- UK
:
ganso brent
- The estuary is a vital stopover for migratory brent geese.
Examples
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Flocks of brent geese can often be seen feeding along the coastline in winter.
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The brent goose is known for its distinctive dark plumage.
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Each spring, the brent goose journeys thousands of miles from its Arctic breeding grounds.
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Many brent geese migrate to the UK during the winter.
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In winter, a flock of brent geese can often be seen along the coast, migrating from their Arctic breeding grounds.
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The brent goose is easily recognizable by its distinct dark plumage and shorter neck compared to other geese.
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During birdwatching trips, we were thrilled to spot a brent goose among the other waterfowl in the estuary.
Synonyms
3
9.3
A small dark goose that breeds in the far north and flies south for the winter
A small dark goose that breeds in the Arctic and flies south in winter
A small dark goose that breeds in the far north and flies south for winter
A small dark-bellied wild goose that lives on Arctic and temperate coasts
A small dark bird that lives on northern coasts and eats sea plants
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a simple noun compound where 'brent' names a particular kind of small dark migratory goose and 'goose' is the head noun; therefore the overall meaning (the specific species) is directly derivable from the constituents. This type-name + animal composition is a straightforward, cross-linguistically common pattern, so a learner who knows both constituent meanings will understand the MWE.
Etymology
Brent goose may come from an old word, brent or brant, that meant 'burnt' because the bird's feathers are very dark. So the name helps us remember this small, dark goose that flies south for the winter.