Contopus virens
- noun
- Specialized
:
Contopus virens
- The call of the Contopus virens is a familiar sound in eastern North American forests.
Examples
-
Researchers banded several Contopus virens to study their migratory patterns.
-
During migration, birdwatchers often hope to spot the elusive Contopus virens among the treetops.
-
Look! A Contopus virens!
-
The Contopus virens is often heard before it is seen.
-
Birdwatchers are thrilled when they catch a glimpse of the Contopus virens perched quietly on a branch.
-
The Contopus virens is known for its distinctive call, which echoes through the lush forests of eastern North America.
-
During the summer months, the Contopus virens can be frequently seen flitting around the trees in its natural habitat.
Synonyms
2
9.9
A small olive-brown bird that catches insects in trees in eastern North America
A small brownish bird in woods that catches insects and calls with a soft whistle
A small olive-green bird in the woods that catches insects and makes a thin sad call
A small olive-green bird that lives in woods and eats insects
Surface Forms
Morphology
Contopus + virens
Contopus is given as a genus of small insect-eating pewees, and although 'virens' is not defined here it is a Latin adjective meaning 'green/verdant', so a learner who knows both constituents could infer a 'green/olive-colored Contopus' (i.e. a greenish pewee). However, because this is a technical Latin binomial and the full species identity and common-name mapping (Eastern Wood-Pewee) are not obvious to B1 learners, the meaning is only partly predictable.
Etymology
Contopus virens comes from old scientific words: the second part virens is Latin for 'green', a clear memory hook for the bird's olive color. The first part Contopus was used for small birds that sit on branches and catch flies, so the full name helps you think 'a small green flycatcher'.