Definition

Noun: A small, migratory shorebird of the sandpiper family (Scolopacidae), commonly known as the Common Sandpiper. It is characterized by its constant bobbing motion and distinctive white shoulder wedge visible in flight.

Usage

The term "Actitis hypoleucos" is the scientific binomial name. In everyday language, the bird is almost exclusively referred to by its common name, "Common Sandpiper." * The Actitis hypoleucos is easily identified by its teetering walk along the water's edge. * We spotted an Actitis hypoleucos, or Common Sandpiper, foraging on the riverbank.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific or taxonomic contexts: Used to specify the exact species within the genus , which also includes the Spotted Sandpiper ().
  • The study compared the foraging behavior of Actitis hypoleucos with that of its American cousin.

Variants and Related Words

• Common Sandpiper (n): The standard English common name for this species.
• Actitis (n): The genus name, referring to the group of sandpipers known for their distinctive bobbing or "teetering" behavior.
• Sandpiper (n): The common name for the broader family (Scolopacidae) of wading birds to which this species belongs.

Synonyms

• Common Sandpiper
• (Regional names may include "Summer Snipe" or "Willy Wicket," but these are archaic or very localized.)

Related Phrases

• To teeter or bob: Descriptive phrases for the bird's characteristic up-and-down tail motion while standing or walking.
  • The Actitis hypoleucos teetered as it picked insects from the mud.

Noun

1. a variety of sandpiper