Shorebird Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shorebird

[ˈʃɔː.bɜːd ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

bird watching

A shorebird is a bird that frequents the shorelines of oceans, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water. Shorebirds are known for their long legs, slender bills, and ability to forage in shallow water or wet sand.

Synonyms

beachbird, coastal bird, waterbird.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shorebird	Use in scientific or birdwatching contexts to describe birds that are often found along the shorelines of oceans, lakes, and rivers. The nature reserve is home to numerous species of shorebirds. During the migration season, shorebirds can be observed foraging along the coast.
beachbird	This term is less common and might be used informally to describe birds seen on beaches, suitable for casual conversation. We spotted a few beachbirds while playing volleyball. Kids love watching beachbirds running along the sand.
waterbird	Ideal when speaking about birds associated with any kind of water bodies, including lakes, rivers, and wetlands, not just shorelines. A wide variety of waterbirds can be seen in the wetland sanctuary. Ducks and other waterbirds are common in this area.
coastal bird	Best for general or layman descriptions of birds found along coastal areas, offering a broader term that includes a variety of species. The coastal birds are important for maintaining the ecosystem. There was a beautiful coastal bird perched on the dock.

Examples of usage

During our bird watching trip, we spotted several shorebirds along the coastline.
Shorebirds such as sandpipers and plovers are commonly found near water bodies.
The migration patterns of shorebirds vary depending on the season and habitat.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Migration

Many species of shorebirds are migratory, traveling thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds.
During migration, certain shorebirds can fly non-stop for over 3,000 miles, showing incredible endurance and navigation skills.

Habitat and Behavior

These birds thrive in diverse habitats, from sandy beaches to wetlands and mudflats, indicating their adaptability.
Most shorebirds are known for their unique feeding techniques, such as probing mud with their long bills to find hidden insects and worms.

Conservation

Shorebird populations are declining globally due to habitat loss, climate change, and human interference, making conservation efforts critical.
Many bird watchers and conservationists are actively involved in protecting shorebird habitats, especially during migration seasons.

Diversity

There are over 200 species of shorebirds worldwide, showcasing a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
Some well-known shorebirds include sandpipers, plovers, and stilts, each with unique adaptations for survival.

Origin of 'shorebird'

Main points about word origin

The term 'shorebird' comes from the English words 'shore' meaning the land along the edge of a body of water, and 'bird' referring to the flying animal.
The concept of shorebirds has been recorded in literature dating back to the 16th century, indicating their long-standing presence in human culture.

The term 'shorebird' originated in the 19th century to describe birds that inhabit coastal areas and shorelines. These birds play a crucial role in the ecosystem by feeding on small invertebrates and contributing to the balance of marine and freshwater habitats.

See also: foreshore, seashore, shore, shoreline.