How Do You Spell CURLEWS?

Pronunciation: [kˈɜːluːz] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "curlews" can be a bit tricky, as it features a combination of letters that don't often go together in the English language. To break it down phonetically, we can use the IPA transcription of /ˈkɜːrljuːz/. The first syllable starts with the "k" sound followed by the vowel sound of "er". The second syllable includes the combination of "l" and "y", creating a "lyu" sound. The final "s" in the word is pronounced as a "z" sound. Together, the IPA transcription of "curlews" consists of four syllables and can be pronounced as "KUR-looz".

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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CURLEWS Meaning and Definition

  1. Curlews refer to a group of large, long-legged wading birds belonging to the family Scolopacidae. They are commonly found in various regions worldwide, inhabiting diverse habitats such as grasslands, coastal areas, estuaries, and mudflats. The birds are known for their distinctive appearance, with long, downward-curved bills that aid in foraging for food in the mud or probing soft soil. They have a mottled brown plumage, providing protection against predators by blending with their surroundings.

    Curlews are known for their melodious and far-carrying calls, which can often be heard during their breeding season or when in flight. These calls are often described as haunting or piping melodies. Their breeding behavior involves the creation of nests on the ground, mixing grass and small debris to establish a safe environment for their eggs to hatch.

    The diet of curlews primarily consists of small invertebrates such as worms, insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. They make use of their long bills to probe into the substrate to grasp their prey. These birds are highly migratory, with many populations undertaking long-distance journeys between breeding and non-breeding grounds, covering thousands of miles.

    Curlews are often considered iconic and are known for their association with folklore and cultural references in various parts of the world. The decline in curlew populations in recent years has raised concerns about their conservation status, making efforts to protect and restore their habitats crucial to their survival.

Common Misspellings for CURLEWS

Etymology of CURLEWS

The word "curlews" comes from Middle English "curlewe", which is derived from Old Norse "krókr", meaning "hook" or "curve". This is due to the distinct shape of the curlew's bill, which is long and curved, resembling a hook. Over time, "curlewe" evolved into "curlew" and eventually became "curlews" to refer to multiple birds of that species.

Similar spelling words for CURLEWS

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Correct spelling for curlews
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