water turkey
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A blackish New World snakebird of swampy regions: "Water turkey" is a common name for a specific type of water bird, the Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga), found in the Americas. It is characterized by its dark plumage, long snake-like neck, and its habit of swimming with its body submerged and only its neck above water.
Usage Notes
- "Water turkey" is a colloquial or common name, not a formal scientific term. The formal name is "Anhinga."
- It is used specifically to refer to this bird species, particularly in regions where it is native, such as the southeastern United States and tropical parts of the Americas.
- The name likely comes from the bird's turkey-like tail feathers when fanned out.
Examples
- Noun:
- We spotted a water turkey drying its wings on a cypress knee in the swamp.
- The water turkey is an excellent swimmer and diver, spearing fish with its sharp beak.
Advanced Usage
- The term is used almost exclusively in wildlife observation, birdwatching contexts, and regional vernacular to describe the Anhinga.
Variants and Related Words
- Anhinga (n): The formal ornithological name for the bird commonly called the water turkey.
- Snakebird (n): Another common name for the Anhinga/water turkey, referring to its long, serpentine neck.
- Darter (n): A name used for birds in the Anhinga family, describing their hunting method of darting their necks forward to catch prey.
Synonyms
- Anhinga
- Snakebird
Related Phrases/Idioms
- None commonly associated: The term "water turkey" is a specific zoological reference and is not typically used in idiomatic expressions.
Noun
- blackish New World snakebird of swampy regions