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Glite Dictionary
Centropus phasianinus

Centropus phasianinus

9.9
A large Australian bird in the cuckoo family with a long pheasant-like tail
  • proper noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Centropus phasianinus
  • Unlike most cuckoos, the Centropus phasianinus builds its own nest and raises its young.

Examples

  • The Centropus phasianinus is often seen skulking through tall grasslands in northern Australia.

  • During the summer, the Centropus phasianinus can be heard calling at dawn and dusk.

  • The Centropus phasianinus is often found in dense vegetation.

  • Look at the Centropus phasianinus!

  • During the summer, the Centropus phasianinus can be heard calling at dawn and dusk.

  • The Centropus phasianinus is often seen skulking through tall grasslands in northern Australia.

  • Unlike most cuckoos, the Centropus phasianinus builds its own nest and raises its young.

Synonyms

pheasant coucal
vsCentropus phasianinus
  • Australian
9.9

A large Australian bird in the cuckoo family with a long tail like a pheasant

is the same species but given its common name form

Surface Forms

Centropus phasianinus main

Morphology

Centropus + phasianinus

This is a scientific binomial formed from a genus name (Centropus) plus a Latin-derived specific epithet (phasianinus) that literally means 'pheasant-like'. If a learner already knew the Latin/derivational meaning of 'phasianinus' they could deduce 'a pheasant-like Centropus', but the epithet is not a regular English word and requires etymological or taxonomic knowledge beyond B1, so the relation is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Centropus phasianinus comes from old name parts: Centropus meaning 'spurred foot' and phasianinus meaning 'pheasant-like'. People who named the bird saw its strong feet and long, showy tail like a pheasant, so the name helps you remember this cuckoo's pheasant-like look.