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

1. blackish New World snakebird of swampy regions