Collocalia inexpectata

9.9

A small fast Asian bird whose nests people use to make bird's nest soup

noun

Specialized

: Collocalia inexpectata

The Collocalia inexpectata is famous for its edible nests.

Examples

The nests built by Collocalia inexpectata are highly prized in gourmet cooking.
Researchers tracked the migration patterns of Collocalia inexpectata across Southeast Asia.
Local collectors carefully harvest the nests of Collocalia inexpectata for use in bird's nest soup.
Have you ever tasted a dish made with Collocalia inexpectata nests?
Local collectors carefully harvest the nests of Collocalia inexpectata for use in bird's nest soup.
The nests built by Collocalia inexpectata are highly prized in gourmet cooking.
Researchers tracked the migration patterns of Collocalia inexpectata across Southeast Asia.

Surface Forms

Collocalia inexpectata singular

Collocalia inexpectatas plural

Morphology

Collocalia + inexpectata

This is a Latin binomial (scientific) name rather than an everyday English phrase; knowing the genus label 'Collocalia' might hint at a small swiftlet, but the species epithet 'inexpectata' is not a standard English word and the specific meaning (the particular species and its edible-nest association) is not compositional. A B1 learner who knows the listed constituents would not be able to derive the full referential meaning from the parts alone, so the expression is effectively idiomatic/opaque for learners.

Etymology

Collocalia inexpectata is the scientific name for a small swift whose nests are collected for 'bird's nest soup'. The parts of the name help you remember this: Collocalia refers to a little swift and inexpectata means 'unexpected' because these birds make valuable, edible nests in hidden caves and on high walls, so the name reminds us of the bird and its surprising nests.