Circus aeruginosus
- noun
- Specialized
:
Circus aeruginosus
- The Circus aeruginosus is often seen gliding low over the reeds in search of prey.
Examples
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Habitat loss poses a significant threat to the Circus aeruginosus population in several countries.
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Birdwatchers spotted a pair of Circus aeruginosus nesting by the lakeside.
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The Circus aeruginosus is often found in wetlands.
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Have you ever spotted a Circus aeruginosus in the wild?
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Birdwatchers spotted a pair of Circus aeruginosus nesting by the lakeside.
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The Circus aeruginosus is often seen gliding low over the reeds in search of prey.
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Habitat loss poses a significant threat to the Circus aeruginosus population in several countries.
Synonyms
A large thin bird of prey that hunts over marshes and reeds
Surface Forms
Morphology
Circus + aeruginosus
This is a Latin binomial (genus + species) used as a taxonomic name rather than a compositional English phrase; the specific referent ('western marsh harrier') cannot be derived from ordinary English knowledge of the parts. The second element 'aeruginosus' is not a standard English word and even if a learner knows 'Circus' as a genus name, the full meaning remains unpredictable without taxonomic/Latin knowledge.
Etymology
Circus aeruginosus may come from old Latin words: Circus meaning a 'circle' because these birds fly in wide circles low over marshes when hunting, and aeruginosus hinting at a 'greenish-brown' colour in their feathers. So the name helps you picture a large marsh harrier gliding over reeds as it looks for prey.
