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Glite Dictionary
spotted crake

spotted crake

9.9
A small brown water bird with spots that lives in swamps and marshes
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : rallón moteado
  • The spotted crake is rarely seen due to its secretive habits and reedbed habitat.

Examples

  • During migration, birdwatchers in Europe search for the elusive spotted crake.

  • The distinctive call of the spotted crake can be heard in wetlands at dusk.

  • The spotted crake is often found in wetlands.

  • Have you ever seen a spotted crake in the wild?

  • Birdwatchers eagerly wait for the spotted crake to appear in the marshes during migration season.

  • The spotted crake is known for its beautiful spotted plumage, which helps it blend into its wetland surroundings.

  • In the early morning, the spotted crake can be heard calling softly among the reeds of the swamp.

Synonyms

rail
vsspotted crake
  • Specialized
6 9.9

A small bird with long toes that lives in wet areas

is a single small marsh species rather than the whole family
crake
vsspotted crake
1 9.9

A small water bird with a short bill that lives in marshes and reed beds

refers to that specific Eurasian species known for spotted plumage
Porzana porzana
vsspotted crake
  • Specialized
9.9

A small marsh bird with brown spots that hides in reeds

is the common English name rather than the scientific name

Surface Forms

spotted crake singular
spotted crakes plural

Morphology

spotted + crake

The noun 'spotted crake' is directly and transparently compositional: 'spotted' describes the bird's plumage and 'crake' names the marsh-dwelling bird, so the phrase denotes a crake that is spotted. This simple adjective + noun pattern is a common, regular formation across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Spotted crake is a name that paints a simple picture: spotted shows the little pale dots on its brown feathers, and crake is a word for a small marsh 'bird' that hides in reeds. So the name means a small, shy 'bird' with spotted feathers found in 'wetlands'.