dovekie

or dove·key

[ duhv-kee ]

noun

1. the little auk.

dovekie

/ ˈdʌvkɪ /

noun

1. another name for the little auk See auk

Word History and Origins

Origin of dovekie¹

First recorded in 1815–25; dove ¹ + -kie, compound suffix perhaps shortened from -ock + -ie

Word History and Origins

Origin of dovekie¹

C19: Scottish diminutive of dove ¹

Example Sentences

"The little auk, also known as the dovekie, emerges as a sentinel species in monitoring Arctic environmental shifts," says Dr. Anders Mosbech, co-author from Aarhus University.

From Science Daily

When almost in despair there came seal after seal, and scores of arctic dovekies, or little auks in winter plumage.

From Project Gutenberg

A dovekie, in its white winter plumage, and two seals have been seen lately.

From Project Gutenberg

"These individuals are likely resting on icebergs and ice floes and hunting the seabirds, such as black guillemots, dovekies, and species of gull, that are using the same habitat," said Dr Burnham.

From BBC

It proved to be a desolate, ice-capped, rocky islet, almost destitute of vegetation and inhabited only by dovekies, who nested in the inaccessible cliffs adjoining the discharging glaciers.

From Project Gutenberg