Haliaeetus leucocephalus
- noun
- /ˌhæl.iˈiː.təs ˌluː.kəʊˈsɛf.əl.əs/
- Specialized
:
águila calva
- The Haliaeetus leucocephalus is easily recognized by its striking white head and yellow beak.
Examples
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Strict protections have helped the population of Haliaeetus leucocephalus recover across the United States.
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The Haliaeetus leucocephalus is a symbol of freedom in the United States.
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A Haliaeetus leucocephalus soared over the river, searching for fish.
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Many tourists come to see the Haliaeetus leucocephalus in its natural habitat.
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A Haliaeetus leucocephalus soared gracefully above the lake, looking for its next meal.
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The keen eyesight of the Haliaeetus leucocephalus allows it to spot fish from great distances.
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During the summer, many people visit the coast to watch the Haliaeetus leucocephalus nest and raise their young.
Synonyms
121
1.0
A large bird of prey with sharp talons and very good eyesight
12
2.9
A large North American bird with a white head and tail and dark brown body, symbol of the United States
1
3.0
A large North American bird with a white head and dark body that often eats fish
1
9.9
A group of large sea eagles, for example the bald eagle
A group of large eagles that live near the sea and big lakes
A large eagle that lives near water and eats mostly fish
Surface Forms
Morphology
Haliaeetus + leucocephalus
The Latin binomial is compositional: it combines a taxonomic genus name (Haliaeetus, a group of sea/eagles) with a species epithet built from Greek roots meaning 'white-headed' (leuco- = white, -cephalus = head). If a learner knows the constituent elements, the overall meaning ('white-headed Haliaeetus' → bald eagle) is directly derivable, so the form is transparent.
Etymology
Haliaeetus leucocephalus comes from old Greek words: Haliaeetus means 'sea eagle' and leucocephalus means 'white head', so the name literally describes an eagle with a white head that lives by the water, which is the bald eagle you know today.