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Glite Dictionary
Sayornis

Sayornis

9.9
A small bird that catches insects and often sits near streams
  • noun
  • /seɪˈɔrnɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Sayornis
  • The Eastern Sayornis is often seen perched near streams and open woodlands.

Examples

  • Several species within the Sayornis genus are known for their gentle call notes.

  • Many birdwatchers are excited to spot a Sayornis in the wild.

  • Birdwatchers spotted a rare Sayornis in the migratory stopover region.

  • The Sayornis is known for its distinctive call.

  • Birdwatchers spotted a rare Sayornis in the migratory stopover region.

  • Several species within the Sayornis genus are known for their gentle call notes.

  • The Eastern Sayornis is often seen perched near streams and open woodlands.

Compounds

Sayornis phoebe
  • Specialized
9.9

A small plain brown bird from eastern North America that catches insects

Surface Forms

Sayornis singular
Sayornises plural

Morphology

Sayornis = say (opaque) = say + ornis

Formed from the name 'Say' plus the specialized Greek combining form '-ornis' meaning 'bird', which is a technical taxonomic element unfamiliar to most learners.

Etymology

Sayornis comes from the name Say (for the American naturalist Thomas Say) plus the Greek ornis meaning 'bird'. So Sayornis literally means 'Say's bird', which explains why the name is used for this small group of phoebe birds.