Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/wɔːtər θɪk niː/

Meaning and Usage

The term "water thick-knee" refers to a species of bird known for its thick legs and large size. Scientifically, it's known as Burhinus oedicnemus. This bird is often found near water bodies, which is reflected in its name. It is characterized by its distinctive appearance and its activity patterns, which primarily involve foraging at dusk or dawn.

In terms of frequency of use, "water thick-knee" is not a common term in everyday conversation; it is more likely to be used in ornithological contexts or discussions about wildlife and nature. It appears more frequently in written contexts, particularly in scientific literature and birdwatching resources.

Example Sentences

1. The water thick-knee was seen foraging near the riverbank during the early morning hours.

2. Водяной толстоног наблюдался во время прогулки возле берега реки рано утром.

3. Birdwatchers were thrilled to spot the elusive water thick-knee during their trip.

4. Орнитологи были в восторге от того, что смогли увидеть неуловимого водяного толстонога во время своей поездки.

5. The habitat conservation efforts aim to protect the areas where the water thick-knee breeds.

6. Устойчивое развитие экосистемы направлено на защиту мест, где воспроизводится водяной толстоног.

Idiomatic Expressions

The term "water thick-knee" does not have widely recognized idiomatic expressions associated with it. However, in ornithology, birds are often used metaphorically or symbolically in various phrases. Here are some examples involving birds in general:

1. "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."

2. Птица в руке дороже двух в кустах.

3. "To kill two birds with one stone."

4. Убить двух зайцев одним выстрелом.

5. "The early bird catches the worm."

6. Ранняя птичка ловит червяка.

7. "A little bird told me."

8. Птичка напела мне.

9. "Birds of a feather flock together."

10. Птицы одного помета держатся вместе.

Translations:

• The literal translations of these idioms highlight the importance of timing, opportunity, and companionship, much like the water thick-knee's reliance on its environment for survival.

Etymology

The term "water thick-knee" is derived from its habitat (water) and the physical attribute of having thick legs (thick-knee). The genus name Burhinus stems from the Greek word "būrhinus," which refers to various thick-knee birds, while the species name oedicnemus derives from the Greek word for “shank,” denoting the bird's notable leg appearance.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Stone-curlew - Thick-knee

Antonyms: - There are no direct antonyms, as this is a specific reference to a species. However, one might consider smaller, lighter birds found in similar habitats as an indirect antonym.