godwit
- noun
- /ˈɡɒd.wɪt/
- PHOTO (BLACK & WHITE): A black-tailed godwit (migrant) hunts in a lagoon (Bundala Sanctuary).
- a marbled godwit
- godwit and whimbrel
Examples
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At the wetland, we spotted a beautiful godwit wading through the shallow water.
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For example, godwit eggs, if they get cold, start to chirp.
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The godwit is known for its long, slightly upturned bill, which helps it search for food in mud.
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During migration, the godwit flies thousands of miles to reach its breeding grounds.
Synonyms
A group of large wading birds called godwits
Compounds
- Specialized
A large shorebird from the Americas that flies long distances and has long legs and a slightly upturned bill
Surface Forms
Etymology
Godwit is an old English name for this long-billed wading bird. Its exact origin is unclear, but a helpful way to remember it is to think of god + wit ('good' + 'knowing') or as a name that copies the bird's call. That's why we still call this migratory wetland bird a godwit.