thick-knee
Definition
Noun: A type of large-headed, large-eyed shorebird, active during twilight (crepuscular) or at night (nocturnal), found in the Old World and tropical America, characterized by having a thickened joint in its leg.
Usage
The word "thick-knee" is used to refer specifically to birds of the family Burhinidae. It is a common name based on a physical characteristic. * The spotted thick-knee is a common sight on the savannas of southern Africa. * We went birdwatching at dusk hoping to see a thick-knee.
Advanced Usage
- As a collective term: The plural "thick-knees" can refer to the entire family of these birds.
- Thick-knees are known for their loud, wailing calls at night.
Variants and Related Words
- Stone-curlew: This is another common name for birds in the same family, used particularly in Europe and Asia. While closely related, "stone-curlew" and "thick-knee" are often used interchangeably for different species within the family.
- Burhinidae: The scientific family name for thick-knees.
Synonyms
- Stone-curlew (regional synonym, especially for Eurasian species)
- Dikkop (a common name used in Southern Africa)
Notes on Different Meanings
The word "thick-knee" is a compound noun with a very specific zoological meaning. It does not have other general meanings in common English usage. It refers exclusively to the bird species described.
Noun
-
large-headed large-eyed crepuscular or nocturnal shorebird of the Old World and tropical America having a thickened knee joint
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