The Egyptian Plover, also known as the Crocodile Bird, has an interesting spelling due to its pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled as /ɪˈdʒɪpʃən ˈplʌvər/. The "g" in "Egyptian" is silent, making the first syllable "E-jipt" rather than "E-gipt." Additionally, the stress is on the second syllable of "Plover," making it "PLUH-ver." Despite its unique spelling, the Egyptian Plover is well-known for its symbiotic relationship with crocodiles, where it cleans the crocodiles' teeth in exchange for food.
The Egyptian plover, scientifically known as Pluvianus aegyptius, is a small bird species that belongs to the family of birds known as Charadriidae. This bird is predominantly found in the African continent, specifically in the regions of sub-Saharan Africa, Egypt, and Sudan.
The Egyptian plover is notable for its striking appearance and unique ecological behavior. It has a distinct black and white coloration, with a black head, back, and breast, and a white belly and wings. The bird also exhibits a distinct red orbital ring around its eyes, adding to its distinctive features.
One peculiar characteristic of the Egyptian plover is its symbiotic relationship with the Nile crocodile. It is widely known for its fearless nature, as it is often seen perched on the crocodile's head or even inside its open mouth. This unusual behavior is believed to be a mutualistic relationship where the plover feeds on parasites, insects, and prey that dwell in or around the crocodile's mouth, while the crocodile benefits from having its oral cavity cleaned.
Additionally, the Egyptian plover is also known for its melodious whistling call that it uses to communicate with other members of its species. This vocalization is most commonly observed during courtship displays and territorial disputes.
In conclusion, the Egyptian plover is a small bird species found in Africa, characterized by its distinctive black and white plumage and symbiotic relationship with the Nile crocodile. Its fearless nature and melodious calls make it a fascinating bird to study and observe in its natural habitat.
The word "Egyptian plover" is derived from the combination of "Egyptian" and "plover", each with its own separate etymology.
1. Egyptian: The term "Egyptian" refers to something or someone relating to Egypt, a country in North Africa. The origin of the word "Egyptian" can be traced back to the ancient Greek word "Aigyptios", which in turn originated from the ancient Egyptian name for their country, "Hwt-ka-Ptah" (pronounced Hwt-ka-ptah), meaning "House of the Soul of Ptah". Over time, "Aigyptios" evolved into "Egyptios" in Greek, and eventually "Egyptian" in English.