Aechmophorus

/ˌiːkˈmɒfərəs/ noun

Definition

A genus of large water birds, commonly known as grebes, that are skilled divers and swimmers native to the Americas.

Etymology

From Greek aechme (αἰχμή) meaning 'spear' or 'point' + phorus (φόρος) meaning 'bearing' or 'carrying'—so 'spear-bearer.' The name refers to the sharp, pointed bill these birds use to catch fish underwater.

Kelly Says

The Aechmophorus grebe (Clark's grebe) can dive deeper than 90 feet with a torpedo-like speed that would make Olympic swimmers jealous, and its legs are positioned so far back on its body that it's actually helpless on land—it's evolved entirely for the water.

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