white pelican

Thân thiện

A white pelican glides gracefully over a calm lake.

Definition

Noun: - A large aquatic bird (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) native to North America, characterized primarily by its white plumage with contrasting black flight feathers on the wings.

Usage

The term "white pelican" is used to specifically identify this species of pelican. It is a countable noun. - We spotted a flock of white pelicans on the lake. - The white pelican is known for its cooperative fishing behavior.

Advanced Usage

• In Ornithology: The term is used precisely to distinguish (American white pelican) from other white-plumaged pelicans like the Dalmatian pelican or the great white pelican () found in the Old World.
• In Descriptive Contexts: Often used to describe the bird's appearance or behavior in wildlife observation.
  • The distinctive black wing tips of the white pelican were visible even from a distance.

Variants and Related Words

• American white pelican: The full common name for the species.
• Pelican: The general term for birds of the family Pelecanidae.

Synonyms

• American white pelican (more precise synonym)
• (scientific name)

Related Phrases/Idioms

Note: "White pelican" itself is not typically part of idioms. It is a standard compound noun for the bird species.

Học thuật

Noun

1. large American pelican; white with black wing feathers

Từ đồng nghĩa

• pelecanus erythrorhynchos