dotterel

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Such are the dotterel (Eudromias morinellus), several species of phalarope, an Australian creeper (Climacteris erythropus), and a few others; but in every one of these cases the relation of the sexes in regard to nidification is reversed, the male performing the duties of incubation, while the female is the stronger and more pugnacious.

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Definitions (7)

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  1. The popular name of a kind of plover, Ægialites or Eudromias morinellus, abundant in Europe and Asia. It breeds in high latitudes and performs extensive migrations twice a year, appearing in temperate regions in April and May, and again in September and October. The dotterel is about 10 inches long, and weighs 4 or 5 ounces; the bill is an inch long; the general plumage is much variegated above; the belly is black, the breast yellow, with a white and black collar. It derives its name from its apparent stupidity, or tameness, allowing itself to be easily approached and taken. Its flesh is much esteemed for food. Several related species receive the same name, with qualifying terms. In catching of dotterels we see how the foolish bird playeth the ape in gestures. Bacon. The dotterel, which we think a very dainty dish, Whose taking makes such sport, as no man more can wish. Drayton, Polyolbion, xxv.
  2. Hence A booby; a dupe; a gull. E. Our Dotterel then is caught. B. He is, and just As dotterels use to be: the lady first Advanc'd toward him, stretch'd forth her wing, and he Met her with all expressions. May, Old Couple.
  3. An aged, decaying tree: same as dotard, 3: also used attributively. Som old dotterell trees. Ascham, The Scholemaster, p. 137.
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Examples (17)

  • As well as the Scottish crossbill, threatened species could include the snow bunting, the ptarmigan and the dotterel, a member of the plover family, which lives only on the tops of Scottish mountains.
  • But there is nothing trashy about the property: the advertisement is for a beautiful 4ha lifestyle block valued at on Waiheke Island's Te Matuku Point, overlooking a northern dotterel breeding ground, with access by both boat and road.
  • Such are the dotterel (Eudromias morinellus), several species of phalarope, an Australian creeper (Climacteris erythropus), and a few others; but in every one of these cases the relation of the sexes in regard to nidification is reversed, the male performing the duties of incubation, while the female is the stronger and more pugnacious. —  Darwinism (1889)
  • Poultry and Game Chickens, dotterel, ducks, fowls, green geese, grouse, hares, larks moor-game, partridges, pheasants_, pigeons, rabbits, snipes, teal turkey, wheat-ears, widgeon, wild ducks, wild pigeons, wild rabbits woodcocks iv. —  Enquire Within Upon Everything The Great Victorian Domestic Standby
  • Poultry and Game Chickens, dotterel, ducks, fowls, geese, grouse, hares_, larks partridges, pheasants, pigeons, rabbits, snipes, teal_, turkey wheat-ears, widgeon, wild ducks, wood-cocks iv. —  Enquire Within Upon Everything The Great Victorian Domestic Standby
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Etymologies (1)

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  1. Early modern English also dotterell, dottrel, dotrel; from Middle English dotrelle, a stupid or foolish person, a dotard, also the bird, so called from its supposed stupidity, from dotien, dotcn, dote, be stupid: see dote.
 

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