Piiski

Piiski is a Finnish term that can refer to a few different things, most commonly a type of small, swift-moving bird. In ornithological contexts, piiski often translates to "wagtail" in English, specifically referring to birds of the genus Motacilla. These birds are known for their distinctive tail-wagging behavior.

The most common species referred to as piiski in Finland is the white wagtail (Motacilla alba), which is a widespread breeding bird in the country. Other wagtail species found in Finland, such as the grey wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) or the yellow wagtail (Motacilla flava), might also be referred to as piiski by some, though less frequently. These birds are typically found in open habitats, often near water, and feed on insects.

Beyond birds, the word piiski can also colloquially mean a whip or a lash. This usage is less common in modern Finnish but can be encountered in older texts or specific regional dialects. The connection between the bird and the whip is not clear-cut, but it might relate to the bird's quick, darting movements.

In summary, piiski primarily denotes a wagtail bird in Finnish, though it can also refer to a whip in a secondary, less frequent meaning.