rusty blackbird
1
9.3
- noun
- /ˈrʌsti ˈblækˌbɜrd/
- US
:
mirlo oxidado
- The rusty blackbird sang beautifully at dawn.
Examples
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In autumn, the male rusty blackbird displays a distinct rusty tinge on its feathers.
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I spotted a rusty blackbird foraging along the edge of the pond.
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The rusty blackbird has experienced a dramatic decline in population over recent decades.
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I spotted a rusty blackbird in the park yesterday.
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While birdwatching, I spotted a rusty blackbird perched on a branch, its feathers glimmering in the sunlight.
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During the autumn migration, the rusty blackbird stands out with its distinctive rust-edged plumage.
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The rusty blackbird is often seen foraging on the ground for insects and seeds in wetlands.
Synonyms
A North American blackbird with bluish-black feathers that get rusty edges in fall
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a straightforward adjective + noun description: 'rusty' (reddish-brown) modifies 'blackbird' (a bird), so the meaning is a blackbird showing rust-coloured edging. This is a literal, compositional compound following common adjective+noun patterns and would be readily understood by a B1 learner who knows the constituent words.
Etymology
Rusty blackbird gets its name from the bird's look: a blackbird whose dark feathers show a rusty red-brown edge in autumn. So the name means 'a blackbird with rust-colored edges' today.