whistling swan
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A North American subspecies of the tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus columbianus) characterized by a soft, whistling vocalization. This large, migratory waterfowl is distinguished from the Eurasian subspecies (Bewick's swan) by its entirely black bill, with only a small, often indistinct yellow spot near the eye, and its namesake call.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- A large flock of whistling swans settled on the lake during their spring migration.
- The biologist identified the bird as a whistling swan by its all-black bill and distinctive call.
- We listened to the haunting, soft whistle of the whistling swan across the marsh.
Advanced Usage
- Taxonomic Context: In modern ornithology, the is typically classified as the North American subspecies of the . The term is often used to distinguish it from the Old World ().
Variants and Related Words
- Tundra Swan (): The species name encompassing both the (North America) and (Eurasia).
- Bewick's Swan: The Eurasian subspecies of the tundra swan, which typically has more extensive yellow on its black bill.
- Trumpeter Swan (): A different, larger North American swan species with a deep, trumpet-like call, often contrasted with the .
Synonyms
- North American Tundra Swan
- (scientific name)
Related Phrases
- "A wedge of whistling swans": A common collective term for a flying V-formation of these birds, e.g., "We saw a wedge of heading north."
Noun
- North American subspecies of tundra swan having a soft whistling note