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Glite Dictionary
Cephalopterus ornatus

Cephalopterus ornatus

9.9
A large black South American bird with a tall crest and long hanging feathers used in mating displays
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : cefalóptero ornato
  • The Cephalopterus ornatus is easily identified by its dramatic crest and striking appearance.

Examples

  • Male Cephalopterus ornatus use their long feathered wattles in elaborate courtship displays.

  • The Cephalopterus ornatus is often found in the rainforests of Colombia.

  • Birdwatchers travel to the Amazon rainforests to catch a glimpse of the elusive Cephalopterus ornatus.

  • Have you ever seen a Cephalopterus ornatus?

  • Birdwatchers travel to the Amazon rainforests to catch a glimpse of the elusive Cephalopterus ornatus.

  • Male Cephalopterus ornatus use their long feathered wattles in elaborate courtship displays.

  • The Cephalopterus ornatus is easily identified by its dramatic crest and striking appearance.

Synonyms

umbrella bird
vsCephalopterus ornatus
  • US
9.9

A large black tropical bird with a high crest and a long feathered neck wattle

is the scientific name for the same bird

Surface Forms

Cephalopterus ornatus singular
Cephalopterus ornatuses plural

Morphology

Cephalopterus + ornatus

This is a Latin binomial (scientific) name and functions as a taxonomic proper noun rather than a compositional English phrase. A B1 learner—even if told the genus meaning—would not reliably know the Latin adjective 'ornatus' (not an English item) nor infer the specific species identity, so the bird name's meaning as the Amazonian umbrellabird is not derivable from the parts.

Etymology

Cephalopterus ornatus may come from old Greek parts cephal- meaning 'head' and -pterus meaning 'wing', plus the Latin word ornatus meaning 'ornate'. This gives a clear image: a bird with a big, fancy crest that hangs over its head and long, hanging feathers it shows off to attract a mate, so the name fits its dramatic, showy appearance.