1.
waterfowl; water bird; aquatic bird
A general term for birds that live on or near water, including ducks, geese, swans, herons, and similar species.
池に水鳥がいる。
There are waterfowl on the pond.
公園の湖には多くの水鳥が集まる。
Many waterfowl gather at the park's lake.
冬になると、シベリアから渡ってくる水鳥を観察できる。
In winter, you can observe waterfowl that migrate from Siberia.
USAGE:
A general term covering various species of aquatic birds. Often seen in nature writing, birdwatching contexts, and environmental topics. Japan is an important wintering ground for many migratory waterfowl.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 水鳥を観察する (to observe waterfowl)
- 水鳥が泳ぐ (waterfowl swimming)
- 渡り鳥の水鳥 (migratory waterfowl)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 野鳥: wild bird — broader category including all wild birds
- 渡り鳥: migratory bird — specifically birds that migrate seasonally