PECTORAL SANDPIPER Meaning and
Definition
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The pectoral sandpiper is a small to medium-sized migratory shorebird belonging to the family Scolopacidae. Scientifically known as Calidris melanotos, it is predominantly found in the Americas, particularly in its breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra and its wintering grounds in South America.
In terms of physical appearance, the pectoral sandpiper has a plump body, a relatively short neck, and long legs. It measures around 7.5 to 8.5 inches (19 to 21 cm) in length, with a wingspan of approximately 18 to 19 inches (46 to 48 cm). It possesses distinct breeding and non-breeding plumages. During the breeding season, males display a rich rufous-brown chest, belly, and flanks which give the species its name. Females and non-breeding birds have more subdued plumage, featuring a pale gray-brown upper body and white underparts.
Pectoral sandpipers are known for their distinctive feeding habits, often observed using their long bills to probe the soft mud or peat soil for insects, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates. They feed primarily in wet meadows, marshes, and mudflats, and are capable of traveling significant distances to find suitable feeding grounds during migration.
These sandpipers are highly vocal birds, emitting a variety of calls including a low, buzzing "wik-wik-wik" sound during courtship and territorial disputes. They also engage in an elaborate courtship display, where males perform aerial acrobatics, singing and circling to attract females.
Conservation-wise, the pectoral sandpiper is not currently classified as threatened, but it faces challenges due to habitat loss
Common Misspellings for PECTORAL SANDPIPER
- oectoral sandpiper
- lectoral sandpiper
- -ectoral sandpiper
- 0ectoral sandpiper
- pwctoral sandpiper
- psctoral sandpiper
- pdctoral sandpiper
- prctoral sandpiper
- p4ctoral sandpiper
- p3ctoral sandpiper
- pextoral sandpiper
- pevtoral sandpiper
- peftoral sandpiper
- pedtoral sandpiper
- pecroral sandpiper
- pecforal sandpiper
- pecgoral sandpiper
- pecyoral sandpiper
- pec6oral sandpiper
Etymology of PECTORAL SANDPIPER
The word "pectoral sandpiper" has a relatively straightforward etymology.
The term "sandpiper" comes from the Middle English word "samdiptre" or "sampester", which was used to refer to small birds found near sand or water. The word "sand" refers to the coastal and sandy environments where these birds are commonly spotted, while "piper" relates to their piping or chirping sound.
On the other hand, "pectoral" describes a particular feature of this type of sandpiper. The word "pectoral" comes from the Latin word "pector-' or "pectus", meaning chest or breast. It refers to the bird's breast area, which in this case is particularly distinctive and well-defined. The pectoral sandpiper has a heavily streaked breast and a distinct pattern that sets it apart from other sandpipers.
Similar spelling words for PECTORAL SANDPIPER
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