fairy bluebird
- noun
:
pájaro azul
- The fairy bluebird is admired for its shimmering blue feathers in the forests of Southeast Asia.
Examples
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Birdwatchers travel far to catch a glimpse of the rare fairy bluebird in its natural habitat.
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A fairy bluebird perched quietly in the canopy, searching for ripe fruit.
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The fairy bluebird is known for its vibrant colors.
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Look at that fairy bluebird!
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A fairy bluebird perched quietly in the canopy, searching for ripe fruit.
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Birdwatchers travel far to catch a glimpse of the rare fairy bluebird in its natural habitat.
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The fairy bluebird is admired for its shimmering blue feathers in the forests of Southeast Asia.
Synonyms
9
6.3
A small fruit-eating songbird with bright blue feathers found in the East Indies
5
9.9
A group of birds from South and Southeast Asia with shiny blue feathers
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a straightforward noun–noun compound where 'fairy' modifies 'bluebird', so the meaning (a particular kind of bluebird with fairy-like/remarkable appearance) can be inferred from the constituents. This compositional pattern is common and the referential meaning (a vividly blue songbird) is directly derivable by a B1 learner who knows both words.
Etymology
Fairy bluebird may come from the bird's look: its bright, shining blue feathers and delicate shape made people think of a small, magical fairy, while bluebird shows it is a blue singing bird. So the name helps us remember it is a vividly blue songbird that often eats fruit.