What do the Ancient Greek words *phaios* and *pous* contribute to the meaning of *phaeopus*?
Answer
Dusky and foot
The specific epithet *phaeopus* has roots tracing back through Medieval Latin to Ancient Greek components. Specifically, *phaios* translates to 'dusky,' and *pous* translates to 'foot.' Therefore, when combined, *Numenius phaeopus* carries the loose translation of 'dusky-footed curlew.' This component of the binomial name focuses on a feature, the feet, distinct from the bill feature emphasized by the genus name *Numenius*.
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