policeman bird

Học thuật
Thân thiện
policeman bird

A policeman bird stands on one leg in a shallow wetland.

Definition

Noun: A large, mostly white Australian stork (Xenorhynchus asiaticus), also commonly known as the black-necked stork or jabiru. The name "policeman bird" is thought to refer to its upright, watchful posture, reminiscent of a police officer on duty.

Usage Notes
  • "Policeman bird" is a colloquial Australian term. In formal ornithological contexts, "black-necked stork" or "Australian jabiru" are preferred.
  • It is typically used as a singular, countable noun (e.g., , ).
  • This term is specific to Australian English and refers to a single, identifiable species.
Examples
  • We spotted a policeman bird wading in the wetlands, looking for fish.
  • The policeman bird stood perfectly still by the billabong, its tall, black-and-white figure unmistakable.
  • Local folklore says the policeman bird keeps watch over the bush.
Advanced Usage
  • The term can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is standing very erect and observant.
    • Stop standing there like a policeman bird and come help us!
Variants and Related Words
  • Black-necked stork: The standard common name for the species.
  • Australian jabiru: Another common name, though it is not a true jabiru (genus ).
  • Jabiru: A common name for large storks in the Americas and Asia, which can cause confusion; the Australian "policeman bird" is .
Synonyms
  • Black-necked stork
  • Australian jabiru
Related Idioms or Phrases
  • (As) watchful as a policeman bird: Used to describe someone who is being very observant or vigilant.
    • The security guard was as watchful as a policeman bird.
policeman bird

A policeman bird stands on one leg in a shallow wetland.

Noun
  1. large mostly white Australian stork

Từ đồng nghĩa