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Glite Dictionary
hepatic tanager

hepatic tanager

9.4
A small singing bird with red feathers found in the southwestern United States and Mexico
  • noun
  • /hɪˈpætɪk ˈtænədʒər/
  • US
translation icon : tángara hepática
  • The male hepatic tanager is noted for its striking reddish coloration.

Examples

  • We spotted a hepatic tanager perched on a pine branch during our hike.

  • Birdwatchers travel to Arizona to catch a glimpse of the rare hepatic tanager.

  • The hepatic tanager is a beautiful bird.

  • I spotted a hepatic tanager in my backyard.

  • The male hepatic tanager is noted for its striking reddish coloration.

  • We spotted a hepatic tanager perched on a pine branch during our hike.

  • Birdwatchers travel to Arizona to catch a glimpse of the rare hepatic tanager.

Surface Forms

hepatic tanager singular
hepatic tanagers plural

Morphology

hepatic + tanager

The adjective 'hepatic' is typically known to learners as 'relating to the liver' (medical), not as a color descriptor, so combining it with 'tanager' (a small songbird) does not yield a predictable bird description for a B1 learner. The zoological sense 'liver-colored/reddish' is specialized and not transparently derivable from the common meanings of the parts, so the overall species name is idiomatic and unpredictable to learners.

Etymology

Hepatic tanager uses hepatic, a word linked to the 'liver' and the idea of a deep red or reddish-brown colour, and tanager, a kind of songbird. So the name helps you remember that this tanager has reddish feathers.