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Glite Dictionary
Falco sparverius

Falco sparverius

9.9
A small bird of prey in North America often called the American kestrel
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Falco sparverius
  • Researchers tracked the migration patterns of Falco sparverius across several states.

Examples

  • The Falco sparverius is known for its striking plumage.

  • The Falco sparverius is the smallest falcon found in North America.

  • Birdwatchers were excited to spot a Falco sparverius nesting on the old barn.

  • Did you see the Falco sparverius soaring above the field?

  • The Falco sparverius, commonly known as the American kestrel, is often seen perched on telephone wires.

  • During our hike, we spotted a Falco sparverius hovering above the field in search of prey.

  • The Falco sparverius is renowned for its striking plumage and is the smallest falcon in North America.

Synonyms

kestrel
vsFalco sparverius
3 7.9

A small hunting bird with long wings and tail that hovers to catch small animals

refers specifically to the American species rather than small falcons in general
American kestrel
vsFalco sparverius
  • US
6.7

A small North American bird that hunts small animals with a reddish-brown back, blue-grey wings, and black face markings

is the formal scientific name for that same North American falcon

Surface Forms

Falco sparverius singular
Falco sparverius plural

Morphology

Falco + sparverius

The first constituent 'Falco' clearly denotes a falcon genus, so a learner who knows that will infer this is a species of falcon. However 'sparverius' is not a familiar English word (and is marked as not found), so the precise meaning 'American kestrel' is not directly derivable; binomial Latin names are globally patterned (so one can infer 'a Falco species') but the specific species identity remains opaque to learners.

Etymology

Falco sparverius comes from Latin words: Falco means 'falcon' and sparverius means 'sparrow-like', because this small bird looks and hunts like tiny birds. That's why the name is used for the small American kestrel today.