SANDPIPER Meaning and
Definition
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A sandpiper is a small to medium-sized migratory bird belonging to the family Scolopacidae. With a slender body, long legs, and a characteristic long, thin bill, sandpipers are well-adapted for foraging along sandy shorelines and mudflats. They have a distinctive pattern of white, black, and brown feathers on their upperparts, which camouflage them well in their habitats.
Sandpipers are known for their agility and speed, as they dart around shoreline areas, probing the sand or mud with their bills to find small aquatic invertebrates, crustaceans, and insects. They have a unique feeding behavior known as "sewing machine motion," where they rapidly bob their head up and down to capture prey hidden beneath the surface.
These birds are highly migratory, meaning they breed in the northern regions, such as the Arctic or sub-Arctic, and then undertake long journeys to their wintering grounds in more temperate or tropical regions. They form large flocks during migration and often gather in mixed-species groups with other shorebirds.
Sandpipers are notable for their distinctive calls, which vary among species but are generally high-pitched and melodious. They are known for their intricate displays during courtship, including aerial acrobatics, dancing, and vocalizations to attract mates.
In summary, sandpipers are small to medium-sized migratory birds with slender bodies, long legs, and long, thin bills. They feed by probing sand or mud for small invertebrates and undertake long journeys between breeding and wintering grounds. With their distinctive plumage and captivating behaviors, sandpipers are beloved by birdwatchers and enthusiasts worldwide.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SANDPIPER
Etymology of SANDPIPER
The word "sandpiper" has a straightforward etymology. It was derived from the combination of two Old English words: "sand" and "piper".
The term "sand" refers to the grainy, loose particles that make up beaches, deserts, and other similar areas. It is of Germanic origin and is related to the Dutch word "zand" and the German word "Sand".
The word "piper" comes from the Old English word "pipere", which means "player of a pipe" or "flutist". It is derived from the Latin word "pipare", meaning "to chirp or peep", which is an onomatopoeic representation of the sound produced by birds.
So, "sandpiper" essentially means a bird that frequents sandy areas and emits a chirping or peeping sound.
Similar spelling words for SANDPIPER
- sandpit,
- sandifer,
- sandpaper,
- sandpapery,
- sand hopper,
- saint peter,
- sandiford,
- sandhopper,
- sand viper,
- sandberry,
- Sandberg,
- sandpile,
- sand berry.
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