Old world white pelican
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - A large aquatic bird: The Old World white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) is a very large, predominantly white waterbird with a massive bill and throat pouch, native to parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is similar in appearance to the American white pelican.
Usage Notes
- This is a specific ornithological term. It is used as a compound noun to name a particular species of pelican. In general contexts, one might simply use "white pelican," but "Old World white pelican" specifies the species found in the Eastern Hemisphere.
- It is typically used in scientific, wildlife, and birdwatching contexts.
Examples
- Noun:
- We spotted an Old World white pelican fishing in the lake.
- The wingspan of the Old World white pelican can exceed three meters.
- This sanctuary is a crucial breeding ground for the Old World white pelican.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in contrast to the American white pelican (), its New World counterpart.
- While both are large and white, the Old World white pelican often has more pinkish facial skin during breeding season compared to the American species.
Variants and Related Words
- White pelican: A more general term that can refer to either the Old World or American species without specifying.
- Pelecanus onocrotalus: The scientific binomial name for the species.
- Great white pelican: Another common name for the same species.
Synonyms
- Great white pelican (This is a direct synonym and alternate common name for the same bird species.)
Related Phrases
- Old World species: A phrase indicating an organism native to Europe, Asia, or Africa, as opposed to the Americas (the New World).
Noun
- similar to American white pelican