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Glite Dictionary
genus Colaptes

genus Colaptes

9.9
A group of woodpeckers called flickers that live in the Americas
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs kəˈleɪptɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Colaptes
  • The genus Colaptes includes several species of flickers found across the Americas.

Examples

  • The northern flicker, classified within the genus Colaptes, is common in North America.

  • The genus Colaptes includes several species of flickers.

  • Researchers observed notable differences between members of the genus Colaptes and related woodpeckers.

  • Did you know that the genus Colaptes has unique feeding habits?

  • The genus Colaptes includes various species of woodpeckers, commonly known as flickers.

  • Birdwatchers often seek to identify the different species within the genus Colaptes.

  • In the genus Colaptes, the northern flicker is notable for its distinctive call.

Synonyms

Colaptes
vsgenus Colaptes
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of woodpeckers called flickers found in North and South America

is identical but omits the geographic distribution detail

Surface Forms

genus Colaptes singular
genera Colaptes plural

Morphology

genus + Colaptes

The phrase is a straightforward taxonomic composition: 'genus' (a biological rank grouping related species) plus the proper name 'Colaptes' signals the genus called Colaptes. This is a standard, cross-linguistic way to name biological groups, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents can infer it denotes the group of species named Colaptes.

Etymology

Genus Colaptes comes from an old Greek word meaning 'to chisel' or 'to peck', because these birds use their strong bills to chisel and peck wood for food. So the name helps you remember that this group is made up of woodpeckers.