duck-hawk
Definition
Noun: - A bird of prey: "duck-hawk" refers to the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), a large, swift-flying hawk that preys on ducks and other birds, often found in marshy or coastal areas.
Usage Examples
- (A peregrine falcon hunting.)
- (A peregrine falcon observed in its natural habitat.)
Advanced Usage
- "duck-hawk" as a colloquial term: In some regions, "duck-hawk" is used informally to refer specifically to the peregrine falcon due to its habit of hunting ducks.
- The farmer called the bird a duck-hawk because it often took ducks from his pond. (A local name for the peregrine falcon based on its feeding behaviour.)
Variants and Related Words
Duck hawk (variant spelling): the same bird, often written as two separate words.
- The duck hawk is known for its incredible diving speed. (Another way to write "duck-hawk".)
Peregrine falcon (n): the scientific name for the duck-hawk.
- The peregrine falcon is the fastest animal on Earth. (The formal name for the duck-hawk.)
Synonyms
Peregrine: a short form of "peregrine falcon".
- A peregrine circled overhead. (A duck-hawk.)
Falcon: a broader term for birds of prey in the genus Falco, including the duck-hawk.
- The falcon dove at incredible speed. (A duck-hawk is a type of falcon.)
Related Idioms
"Hawk-eyed": having very sharp eyesight, like a duck-hawk.
- The detective was hawk-eyed, noticing every detail. (Very observant, like a bird of prey.)
"Watch like a hawk": to observe very closely and carefully.
- She watched her opponent like a hawk during the chess match. (Watched with intense focus, similar to a duck-hawk hunting.)