noun
phalarope
A type of sandpiper (family Phalaropodidae) with lobed toes adapted for swimming. The Japanese name literally means 'fin-footed sandpiper'.
ヒレアシシギは渡りの途中で日本に立ち寄ることがある。
Phalaropes sometimes stop over in Japan during migration.
図鑑でヒレアシシギの写真を見た。
I saw a picture of a phalarope in the field guide.
シギ is the general term for sandpipers; ヒレアシシギ specifies the phalarope subgroup with fin-like feet.
Compound of 鰭 (hire, 'fin') + 足 (ashi, 'foot') + 鷸 (shigi, 'sandpiper'), referring to the lobed, fin-like toes of phalaropes.