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Glite Dictionary
spotted flycatcher

spotted flycatcher

9.1
A small brown bird that catches insects in the air
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : papamoscas manchado
  • The spotted flycatcher perched patiently before darting out to catch a passing insect.

Examples

  • Many birdwatchers travel to woodlands to observe the elusive spotted flycatcher in spring.

  • A spotted flycatcher built its nest in the old apple tree near the garden.

  • The spotted flycatcher is known for its agile hunting skills.

  • Have you ever seen a spotted flycatcher in the wild?

  • The spotted flycatcher perched patiently before darting out to catch a passing insect.

  • Many birdwatchers travel to woodlands to observe the elusive spotted flycatcher in spring.

  • A spotted flycatcher built its nest in the old apple tree near the garden.

Synonyms

Muscicapa striata
vsspotted flycatcher
  • Specialized
9.9

A small European woodland bird that catches insects in the air

is the common English name rather than the Latin form

Surface Forms

spotted flycatcher singular
spotted flycatchers plural

Morphology

spotted + flycatcher

The compound is a straightforward adjective + noun: 'spotted' describes the appearance and 'flycatcher' names the bird, so the meaning 'a flycatcher that has spots' is directly derivable from the constituents. This compositional pattern for naming species is common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily understand the MWE.

Etymology

Spotted flycatcher is named for what the bird looks like and does. Spotted refers to small pale marks on its feathers, and flycatcher shows it 'catches flies' by sitting on a branch and flying out to catch insects, so the name means a small bird that waits and darts out to catch insects.