Definition

A type of shore bird that has long legs and a long, straight bill, typically found in northern areas and known for its brownish feathers.

Example

The dowitcher waded through the shallow water, searching for food.

Conversation

Did you see that dowitcher by the shore yesterday?

Yeah, I noticed it! They have such unique long bills.

I love watching them wade through the water.

Same here; they're fascinating birds to observe.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'dowitcher' originates from the American English dialect, derived from the word 'do-witcher', which is a combination of 'do' (to perform) and 'witcher' (a term used in dialects to refer to a person who performs magic or witchcraft). The term refers to a type of shorebird known for its distinctive feeding behavior, as if it were 'performing' a task while foraging.

Memory Tip

Imagine a bird that seems to 'perform' a special task while searching for food — that's how you can remember that a dowitcher is a type of shorebird.

Visually Confused Words