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Troglodytes troglodytes

Troglodytes troglodytes

9.9
A very small brown bird that lives across Europe and Asia and sings loudly
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : Troglodytes troglodytes
  • The Troglodytes troglodytes is often heard before it is seen, thanks to its loud, trilling song.

Examples

  • In spring, birdwatchers gather to observe the Troglodytes troglodytes as it builds its tiny nests.

  • Despite its small size, the Troglodytes troglodytes is known for its bold and lively behavior.

  • The Troglodytes troglodytes is known for its beautiful song.

  • Have you ever seen a Troglodytes troglodytes in the wild?

  • In spring, birdwatchers gather to observe the Troglodytes troglodytes as it builds its tiny nests.

  • Despite its small size, the Troglodytes troglodytes is known for its bold and lively behavior.

  • The Troglodytes troglodytes is often heard before it is seen, thanks to its loud, trilling song.

Synonyms

jenny wren
vsTroglodytes troglodytes
  • UK
9.8

A small lively brown bird with a short upright tail that eats insects

is the formal scientific name for that same species
winter wren
vsTroglodytes troglodytes
7.3

A very small brown bird that lives in pine forests and often stays near the ground

is the scientific name for the Eurasian population rather than all similar forest species

Surface Forms

Morphology

Troglodytes + Troglodytes

Both constituents denote 'wrens', so a learner who knows those words can infer the phrase is about wrens; the combination is not idiomatic. However, the exact interpretation as a Linnaean species name (genus + species identical) requires knowledge of biological naming conventions that a B1 learner is unlikely to have, making the link only partly predictable without domain knowledge.

Etymology

The scientific name Troglodytes troglodytes comes from old words meaning 'cave-dweller' or 'one who lives in holes', because these tiny wrens often hide and nest in small holes, thick bushes, or tree cavities. That's why the name fits this small, bold bird.