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Glite Dictionary
policeman bird

policeman bird

9.9
A large mostly white stork with a black neck that lives in Australian wetlands
  • noun
  • Australian
translation icon : cigüeña policía
  • The policeman bird waded gracefully through the shallow wetlands, its striking colors catching the sunlight.

Examples

  • The distinctive call of the policeman bird can often be heard near riverbanks during the rainy season.

  • Many tourists hope to spot a policeman bird in the northern regions of Australia.

  • The policeman bird is often seen in the wetlands.

  • Have you ever spotted a policeman bird in Australia?

  • Many tourists hope to spot a policeman bird in the northern regions of Australia.

  • The policeman bird waded gracefully through the shallow wetlands, its striking colors catching the sunlight.

  • The distinctive call of the policeman bird can often be heard near riverbanks during the rainy season.

Synonyms

black-necked stork
vspoliceman bird
  • Australian
7.0

A large Australian stork with mostly white feathers and a black neck and head

focuses on wetlands and floodplains and notes an alternative common name
Xenorhyncus asiaticus
vspoliceman bird
  • Specialized
9.9

A large white stork with a black neck found in Australia and parts of Asia

focuses on Australian presence and habitat rather than wider range or formal naming

Surface Forms

policeman bird singular
policeman birds plural

Morphology

policeman + bird

A learner who knows 'policeman' and 'bird' will reliably infer this is a type of bird and may guess the name refers to a resemblance or association with a policeman (e.g. coloration or posture). However, the precise meaning—that it denotes the large black-necked stork found in Australian wetlands—is not derivable from the parts alone, so the relation is only partially predictable.

Etymology

Policeman bird gets its name from its black-and-white look, because the dark neck and white body make people think of a policeman's uniform. So, that picture helps people remember this 'black-necked stork' when they see it.