scaup

/'skɔ:p/ Cách viết khác : (scaup-duck) /'skɔ:pdʌk/

Thân thiện

A scaup dives underwater to catch a small fish.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of diving duck: A scaup is a medium-sized diving duck found in North America and other regions, characterized by a bluish-grey bill. They are often seen in large flocks (called "rafts") on open water.

Usage

• The word "scaup" is used as a common noun to refer to this specific genus () of ducks. It is typically used in singular or plural forms in the context of birdwatching, wildlife biology, and hunting.
• Example: "A large raft of greater scaup was spotted on the lake this morning."

Advanced Usage

• "Greater scaup" (Aythya marila): Refers to the larger species, often found in coastal marine waters in winter.
• "Lesser scaup" (Aythya affinis): Refers to the smaller, more numerous species, commonly found on freshwater lakes and marshes.
• The term can be used in compound form "scaup duck," though "scaup" alone is standard.

Variants and Related Words

• Scaup duck: A less common, full variant of the term.
• Bluebill: A common informal name for scaup, referring directly to the color of its bill.

Synonyms

• Diving duck: A broader category that includes scaup, as well as canvasbacks, redheads, and ring-necked ducks.
• Bluebill: A direct synonym based on physical appearance.

Related Phrases

• Raft of scaup: A common collective noun for a large group of these ducks floating together on water.
  • Example: "We observed a raft of several hundred scaup from the blind."

Học thuật

Noun

1. diving ducks of North America having a bluish-grey bill

Từ đồng nghĩa

• scaup duck
• bluebill
• broadbill