How Do You Spell DOTTEREL?

Pronunciation: [dˈɒtəɹə͡l] (IPA)

The word "dotterel" is an interesting example of how English spelling can be tricky. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈdɒtərəl/, which shows that the pronunciation of the word doesn't match its spelling. The letters "o" and "e" are both silent in this word, and the "t" is pronounced like a "d". The origin of the word is uncertain, but it's believed to be related to a Dutch word meaning "simpleton." Despite its unusual spelling, the dotterel is a real bird species found in Eurasia and Africa.

DOTTEREL Meaning and Definition

1. The term "dotterel" refers to a type of small, migratory bird that belongs to the plover family, Charadriidae. Dotterels are characterized by their round body, short legs, and a distinct coloration pattern. They have a plumage with various combinations of light brown, gray, and white feathers, providing them with good camouflage in their natural habitats.

   Dotterels are known for their exceptional long-distance migratory patterns, with some species traveling thousands of miles each year to breed and find suitable feeding grounds. They are predominantly found in Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. These birds typically nest in open grasslands, tundra, or mountainous regions during their breeding season, which varies depending on the species and geographic location.

   Despite their small size, dotterels showcase remarkable behavior and adaptations. They possess a distinctive feeding habit, which involves rapidly pecking the ground to find and consume small invertebrates, worms, insects, and seeds. Additionally, dotterels are known for their exceptional social behavior, often forming large groups during migration and gathering in small flocks during the non-breeding season.

   Dotterels are highly valued among bird enthusiasts and conservationists, as they are considered delicate and vulnerable species due to habitat destruction, climate change, and human disturbances. Many dotterel species are protected by various conservation measures to ensure their survival in the wild and maintain their ecological balance within their respective ecosystems.

2. A bird proverbial for stupidity.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for DOTTEREL

• sotterel
• xotterel
• cotterel
• fotterel
• rotterel
• eotterel
• ditterel
• dktterel
• dltterel
• dptterel
• d0tterel
• d9tterel
• dorterel
• dofterel
• doyterel
• do6terel
• do5terel
• dotrerel
• dotferel
• totterel

Etymology of DOTTEREL

The word "dotterel" has an interesting etymology. It ultimately comes from the Old English word "dote", meaning to be silly or foolish. In the 13th century, the word "doteral" was used specifically to refer to a bird known for its apparent foolishness and lack of fear of humans. This bird, the Eurasian dotterel (Charadrius morinellus), is known for its behavior of feigning injury to distract potential predators away from its nest. Over time, the word "dotterel" came to be used as the common name for this bird species.

Similar spelling words for DOTTEREL

• Tottered,
• dotrel.

Plural form of DOTTEREL is DOTTERELS