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Glite Dictionary
Sayornis phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

9.9
A small plain brown bird from eastern North America that catches insects
  • noun
  • /seɪˈɔrnɪs ˈfiːbi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Sayornis phoebe
  • You can identify the Sayornis phoebe by its distinctive 'phoebe' call.

Examples

  • The Sayornis phoebe builds its nest on ledges and bridges near streams.

  • Birdwatchers often spot the Sayornis phoebe flicking its tail while perched on a branch.

  • Birdwatchers often spot the Sayornis phoebe flicking its tail while perched.

  • The Sayornis phoebe is often seen near water.

  • Have you spotted a Sayornis phoebe in the park?

  • The Sayornis phoebe builds its nest on ledges and bridges near flowing streams.

  • You can identify the Sayornis phoebe by its distinctive call that sounds like 'phoebe'.

Synonyms

phoebe
vsSayornis phoebe
  • US
1 9.9

A small brownish-gray North American bird that catches insects in the air

is the common regional name highlighting plain appearance rather than classification

Surface Forms

Sayornis phoebe singular
Sayornis phoebes plural

Morphology

Sayornis + phoebe

This is a taxonomic binomial combining a genus name (Sayornis) with a species epithet (phoebe); knowing the constituents signals it refers to a type of bird. The meaning ('a small flycatcher / Eastern Phoebe') is directly compositional rather than idiomatic, so a learner who knows both parts can infer it denotes that bird species.

Etymology

Sayornis phoebe is named after the bird's clear two-note call, which people wrote down as phoebe, so the sound itself is an easy memory hook to help you identify this small flycatcher.