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Glite Dictionary
dotterel

dotterel

9.9
A small plover-like bird that lives on high hills and lets people come close
  • noun
  • /ˈdɒtərəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : chorlitejo
  • The dotterel is often seen running along the shoreline in search of food.

Examples

  • The dotterel is known for its curious nature, allowing people to approach it closely.

  • A trip of dotterels

    Blog text (7)

  • Attractions on Enderby Island include Hooker's sea lions, royal albatrosses, yellow-eyed penguins, Auckland Island shags, dotterels, and teals.

    Academic text (1995)

  • Birdwatchers were excited to spot a dotterel nesting on the rocky cliffs.

Synonyms

plover
vsdotterel
6 8.1

A small to medium bird with a short straight beak that walks in shallow water on shores

refers to one specific upland species, not the whole group
Charadrius morinellus
vsdotterel
  • Specialized
9.9

A rare small ground bird with spotted feathers that lives on high open land

is the common everyday name rather than the formal Latin term
Eudromias morinellus
vsdotterel
  • Specialized
9.9

A small, rare bird that lives in high mountain areas of Europe and Asia

is the common name that adds small size and tame behavior
dotrel
vsdotterel
  • UK
9.9

A small ground bird with bright markings that lives in mountain areas of Eurasia

focuses on being small, rare, and tame rather than plumage

Surface Forms

dotterel singular
dotterels plural

Etymology

Dotterel comes from an old word like dote, meaning 'to be silly' or 'a fool'. People named the small plover this because it is tame and will allow humans to come very close, so the word helps you remember a dotterel as a trusting, easy-to-approach bird.