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Glite Dictionary
genus Alcedo

genus Alcedo

9.8
A group of kingfisher birds with bright, colorful feathers
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs ælˈsiːdoʊ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Alcedo
  • The genus Alcedo includes several species of kingfishers found throughout Eurasia and Africa.

Examples

  • The genus Alcedo comprises several species known for their bright blue and green feathers.

  • The type specimen for the genus Alcedo is an important reference for ornithologists studying kingfishers.

  • Researchers discovered a new species within the genus Alcedo based on unique plumage patterns.

  • The genus Alcedo includes many vibrant species.

  • Did you know that the genus Alcedo contains kingfishers?

  • Birdwatchers often seek to identify species within the genus Alcedo due to their stunning colors.

  • Each species in the genus Alcedo is adapted to hunt for fish and aquatic insects near water bodies.

Synonyms

Alcedo
vsgenus Alcedo
  • Specialized
9.9

A small, brightly coloured bird like the common kingfisher that lives near water

uses the full taxonomic phrase and highlights bright coloration in species

Surface Forms

genus Alcedo singular
genera Alcedo plural

Morphology

genus + Alcedo

The phrase is directly compositional: 'genus' (a biological rank grouping related species) combined with the proper name 'Alcedo' yields the meaning 'the genus called Alcedo', which a learner can derive from the parts. Taxonomic naming is a conventional, cross-linguistic pattern, so knowing both constituents makes the MWE immediately understandable.

Etymology

Genus Alcedo comes from the old Latin word Alcedo, which was the name for the bright bird that hunts fish called a 'kingfisher'. So the scientific name simply groups those related kingfisher species together, which is why genus Alcedo refers to that set of birds.