DOVEKIE Meaning and
Definition
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A dovekie is a type of seabird belonging to the auk family, scientifically known as Alle alle. It is also commonly referred to as little auk or rotche. The term "dovekie" is derived from the Dutch word "duikertje," which means "little diver," appropriately encapsulating the bird's behavior in its name.
This petite bird measures about 8-11 inches in length and weighs around 150-200 grams. It sports a distinctive appearance with its black feathers and a small, white oval-shaped patch on each side of the head. In addition, dovekies have short wings and a stubby black bill, perfectly designed for hunting underwater. They predominantly reside in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, making significant populations in regions like Greenland, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia.
Dovekies are agile divers and excellent swimmers due to their short wings, enabling them to dive deep into the frigid waters for extended periods in search of their favorite prey, which primarily includes small fish and crustaceans. These birds are highly adapted to their harsh natural habitats and migrate southward during the winter months along the coastal regions.
Apart from their diving prowess, dovekies are known for their monogamous nature, typically forming strong pair bonds during their breeding seasons. They typically lay a single egg in rock crevices or burrows around the cliffs or rocky islands where they nest in large colonies.
In conclusion, dovekies are small seabirds renowned for their diving skills, unique appearance, and Arctic distribution. Their ability to withstand cold climates and forage underwater make them remarkable members of the avian world.
Common Misspellings for DOVEKIE
- sovekie
- xovekie
- covekie
- fovekie
- rovekie
- eovekie
- divekie
- dkvekie
- dlvekie
- dpvekie
- d0vekie
- d9vekie
- docekie
- dobekie
- dogekie
- dofekie
- dovwkie
- dovskie
- doveoie
- tovekie
Etymology of DOVEKIE
The word "dovekie" refers to a small seabird, also known as a little auk (Alle alle).
The etymology of the word "dovekie" is not entirely clear. It is believed to have originated from the Dutch word "duikertje", meaning "little diver" or "diver". This term is likely a reference to the bird's excellent diving abilities. Over time, the pronunciation and spelling of "duikertje" may have evolved into "dovekie" in English, possibly influenced by the resemblance of the bird to a dove or pigeon.
Another theory suggests that the word could have been derived from the Old Norse word "dúkr", meaning "stunted one" or "dwarf". This could be in reference to the bird's small size compared to other members of the auk family.
Similar spelling words for DOVEKIE
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