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Glite Dictionary
Chateura pelagica

Chateura pelagica

9.9
A small fast bird that often nests in old chimneys and hollow trees
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Chateura pelagica
  • The Chateura pelagica often nests inside old chimneys throughout the eastern United States.

Examples

  • Researchers studied the feeding habits of Chateura pelagica over the course of the summer.

  • Many birdwatchers are excited to spot the elusive Chateura pelagica during migration season.

  • Look! A Chateura pelagica!

  • The Chateura pelagica is beautiful.

  • Bird enthusiasts hope to catch a glimpse of the migrating Chateura pelagica as it swoops through the sky.

  • The Chateura pelagica can be seen nesting in abandoned chimneys across North America.

  • During the summer months, the Chateura pelagica gathers food from the air, showcasing its swift flight.

Synonyms

chimney swift
vsChateura pelagica
  • US
8.4

A small fast North American bird that nests in chimneys and eats flying insects

uses the scientific species name rather than the common name

Surface Forms

Chateura pelagica singular
Chateura pelagicas plural

Morphology

Chateura + pelagica

This is a Latin taxonomic binomial functioning as a fixed species label rather than a compositional English phrase, so its meaning ('chimney swift') cannot be derived from the parts. One constituent is not a standard English word and the other only signals a bird genus at best, so a B1 learner who knows the listed constituents would not reliably infer the common-name meaning or habits.

Etymology

Chateura pelagica comes from old scientific words and paints a simple picture of the bird. Think of Chateura as pointing to its thin tail feathers and quick, darting flight, and pelagica as a hint of open air. So the name helps you remember a small, fast bird that often nests in chimneys and hollow trees, known as the 'chimney swift'.