SHEARWATER Meaning and
Definition
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A shearwater refers to a type of seabird that belongs to the family Procellariidae, which is characterized by its long, slender wings and streamlined body shape designed for efficient flight in the marine environment. The term "shearwater" is often used to describe various species of seabirds within this family, such as the Manx shearwater, the Sooty shearwater, and the Great shearwater, among others.
These birds are typically medium-sized, ranging from 30 to 55 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of approximately 70 to 100 centimeters. Shearwaters are known for their exceptional flying capabilities as they effortlessly glide low over ocean waters, using a technique called "shearing" to maintain flight. This movement involves skimming the water's surface at high speeds, with their wingtips occasionally grazing the waves.
Shearwaters predominantly feed on small fish, squid, krill, and other marine invertebrates. They are excellent divers, capable of making deep underwater dives to catch prey. Their diet primarily consists of fish that they catch by seizing them from just beneath the water's surface or by making impressive plunge dives from great heights.
These seabirds often breed colonially on remote islands, with some species traveling long distances to reach their breeding grounds. Nests are created in burrows or rock crevices, and both parents share incubation and care for the single egg that is laid. Shearwaters are known for their unique vocalizations, which often consist of eerie, haunting calls during the breeding season.
Overall, shearwaters are considered to be remarkable seabirds that have adapted extraordinary flight techniques and abilities to thrive in their oceanic habitat.
Common Misspellings for SHEARWATER
- ahearwater
- zhearwater
- xhearwater
- dhearwater
- ehearwater
- whearwater
- sgearwater
- sbearwater
- snearwater
- sjearwater
- suearwater
- syearwater
- shwarwater
- shsarwater
- shdarwater
- shrarwater
- sh4arwater
- sh3arwater
- shezrwater
Etymology of SHEARWATER
The word "shearwater" is derived from Old English "scearn" meaning "shear" or "shearwaters" because these birds fly close to the water surface with their wings almost touching it, appearing as if they are shearing the water. The second part of the word, "water", refers to their habitat and the fact that they spend much of their time on or near the water.
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