Alcedo atthis
- noun
- Specialized
:
martinete común
- The vivid colors of the Alcedo atthis make it easy to spot as it darts over rivers.
Examples
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Researchers observed an Alcedo atthis nesting along the riverbank early in the spring.
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The Alcedo atthis is often found near rivers.
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Many birdwatchers hope to catch a glimpse of the elusive Alcedo atthis during their outings.
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Have you ever seen an Alcedo atthis in the wild?
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Birdwatchers often travel to see the beautiful Alcedo atthis perched on branches by the water.
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The striking Alcedo atthis can be spotted catching fish in shallow rivers throughout Europe.
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During summer, the Alcedo atthis is a common sight near lakes where it hunts for small fish.
Synonyms
A small bright bird with blue and orange feathers that lives by rivers in Europe and Asia and eats fish
How Colorful
Surface Forms
Morphology
Alcedo + atthis
This is a Latin binomial taxonomic name functioning as a label rather than a compositional English phrase. Even if a learner knows 'Alcedo' denotes a genus of kingfishers, the species epithet 'atthis' does not transparently convey the common‑language meaning, so the overall meaning ('a small kingfisher') cannot be derived from the parts by a B1 learner.
Etymology
Alcedo atthis is the scientific name built from old words for the kingfisher: Alcedo was an old name for this bird and atthis comes from a Greek name. Imagine a tiny, jewel-like bird with a 'bright blue' back and a 'bright orange' belly — that picture is what Alcedo atthis names today.