dovekie
Definition
Noun: A small, short-billed seabird of the auk family, abundant in Arctic regions. It is also commonly known as the little auk.
Usage
The word "dovekie" is used specifically to refer to this particular species of bird (Alle alle). It is a countable noun. * Scientists study how dovekies adapt to the harsh Arctic climate. * A large flock of dovekies was seen near the ice edge.
Examples
- The dovekie is one of the most numerous seabirds in the North Atlantic.
- We spotted a single dovekie diving for crustaceans.
- Dovekies nest in large colonies on rocky cliffs.
Advanced Usage
- In ecological context: The term is used in discussions about Arctic marine ecosystems, often as an indicator species for climate change due to its dependence on sea ice and cold-water prey.
- The declining dovekie population signals changes in the Arctic food web.
Variants and Related Words
- Little auk: The most common synonym for "dovekie."
- Auk: The broader family (Alcidae) to which the dovekie belongs, which includes birds like puffins and guillemots.
Synonyms
- Little auk
- Sea dove (a less common, regional name)
Notes
The dovekie is characterized by its black and white plumage in summer, its very short black bill, and its fast, whirring flight. It is not typically used in idioms or phrasal verbs.
Noun
-
small short-billed auk abundant in Arctic regions
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
