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Glite Dictionary
pigeon hawk

pigeon hawk

8.8
A small hunting bird that catches other birds like pigeons
  • noun
  • /ˈpɪdʒən hɔk/
  • US
translation icon : halcón paloma
  • Falconers sometimes train the pigeon hawk due to its quick reflexes and hunting skill.

Examples

  • The pigeon hawk is known for its agility and speed in flight.

  • In North America, the pigeon hawk is commonly seen during migration season.

  • Look at that pigeon hawk perched on the branch!

  • The pigeon hawk is known for its swift flight.

  • Falconers sometimes train the pigeon hawk due to its quick reflexes and hunting skill.

  • In North America, the pigeon hawk is commonly seen during migration season.

  • The pigeon hawk is known for its agility and speed in flight.

Synonyms

merlin
vspigeon hawk
1 9.3

A small falcon that chases songbirds

is an alternative common name rather than the species' regular name
Falco columbarius
vspigeon hawk
  • Specialized
9.9

A small falcon with dark feathers and a striped tail that hunts small birds

is the everyday common name rather than the formal scientific label

Surface Forms

pigeon hawk singular
pigeon hawks plural

Morphology

pigeon + hawk

The compound 'pigeon hawk' is a straightforward noun+noun formation meaning a type of hawk associated with pigeons (i.e., a small hawk/falcon that preys on or resembles pigeons). This compositional pattern is cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows 'pigeon' and 'hawk' can infer the basic meaning even if they may not know the precise species details.

Etymology

Pigeon hawk is named because this little hunting bird often catches pigeons; pigeon shows the prey and hawk shows it is a bird that hunts. That's why the name means a 'small falcon' often trained by hunters for fast, close hunting.