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Glite Dictionary
Lanius ludovicianus migrans

Lanius ludovicianus migrans

9.9
A type of shrike bird found in central North America that winters in Texas and the southern Mississippi valley
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Lanius ludovicianus migrans
  • The Lanius ludovicianus migrans migrates south to Texas during the winter months.

Examples

  • Birdwatchers spotted a rare Lanius ludovicianus migrans in the southern Mississippi valley last week.

  • Conservationists are tracking the habitat of Lanius ludovicianus migrans to understand its population decline.

  • The Lanius ludovicianus migrans is known for its unique hunting style.

  • Have you seen a Lanius ludovicianus migrans in the wild?

  • Birdwatchers spotted a rare Lanius ludovicianus migrans in the southern Mississippi valley last week.

  • Conservationists are tracking the habitat of Lanius ludovicianus migrans to understand its population decline.

  • The Lanius ludovicianus migrans migrates south to Texas during the winter months.

Synonyms

migrant shrike
vsLanius ludovicianus migrans
  • US
9.9

A small bird from central North America that moves south in winter

is a specific subspecies of that bird group found in central North America

Surface Forms

Lanius ludovicianus migrans singular
Lanius ludovicianus migrans plural

Morphology

Lanius + ludovicianus + migrans

This is a scientific Latin trinomial (a taxonomic name). A B1 learner who knows only the listed constituents cannot derive the meaning because 'ludovicianus' and 'migrans' are not given real-word definitions and taxonomic Latin is effectively a proper name; only 'Lanius' (shrikes) gives a weak clue. The overall sense 'a subspecies of loggerhead shrike that winters in Texas/ southern Mississippi valley' is not compositionally predictable from the parts, so it is opaque.

Etymology

Lanius ludovicianus migrans tells a small story: Lanius means 'butcher' because these shrikes hang their prey on thorns like a butcher hangs meat, ludovicianus refers to Louisiana where it was first seen, and migrans means 'migrating' because it flies south for the winter. So the name helps you remember that this shrike 'butchers' its food and 'migrates' to warmer places.