Wildfowl Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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wildfowl
[ˈwaɪldfaʊl ]
Definition
birds, hunting
Wildfowl refers to birds that are typically found in the wild, especially waterfowl such as ducks and geese. They are often hunted for sport or food, and they inhabit various environments including wetlands, lakes, and rivers.
Synonyms
avian wildlife, birdlife, ducks, geese, waterfowl.
Examples of usage
- The hunters set out early to catch wildfowl near the lake.
- Wildfowl migrations are a spectacular sight each autumn.
- Many species of wildfowl can be seen during the spring nesting season.
Translations
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Origin of 'wildfowl'
The word 'wildfowl' originates from Old English 'wildfugel', which translates to 'wild bird'. The term has been in use since the Middle Ages to describe birds that inhabit natural environments rather than domesticated species. Over time, 'wildfowl' became more specifically associated with aquatic birds, particularly those that are sought after during hunting seasons. Its composition reflects the combination of 'wild,' meaning not domesticated or living in the natural environment, and 'fowl,' an old term for birds, especially those that are hunted for food. This historical context underlines the significance of wildfowl in both ecological and cultural terms, emphasizing the relationship between humans and these naturally occurring avian species.