Passer domesticus
- proper noun
- Specialized
:
gorrión común
- The Passer domesticus, also known as the house sparrow, is often seen foraging for food in parks.
Examples
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The Passer domesticus is one of the most widely distributed birds in urban areas.
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The distinctive chirping of the Passer domesticus is a familiar sound in many cities worldwide.
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Scientists have observed a decline in Passer domesticus populations in recent decades.
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The Passer domesticus is commonly found in urban areas.
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Did you see a Passer domesticus in the garden?
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In many neighborhoods, the cheerful chirping of the Passer domesticus brings a sense of familiarity to residents.
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You can spot a Passer domesticus easily due to its small size and brown-grey feathers.
Synonyms
38
1.0
A small brown or gray bird that sings and lives near people
1
3.1
A small brown and grey bird that lives near people
A small brown and grey bird that lives near people in towns
A small brown bird like a sparrow that lives in gardens
Surface Forms
Morphology
Passer + domesticus
This is a Linnaean binomial made of a genus name (Passer = sparrow) and a Latin species epithet (domesticus ≈ 'of the house' / domestic), so the overall meaning 'house sparrow' is directly derivable from the parts. Scientific names follow a regular compositional pattern and 'domesticus' is cognate with English 'domestic', so a B1 learner who knows the constituent meanings would be able to infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Passer domesticus comes from Latin words: Passer means 'sparrow' and domesticus means 'of the house'. That's why the name is used for the common 'house sparrow' that lives near people in towns.