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Glite Dictionary
Falco rusticolus

Falco rusticolus

9.9
A large rare falcon from the Arctic often white or dark
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Falco rusticolus
  • A Falco rusticolus in its white color phase is a striking sight against the snow.

Examples

  • Researchers tracked the migration patterns of Falco rusticolus across the Arctic tundra.

  • The Falco rusticolus is prized by falconers for its power and speed.

  • Look at that Falco rusticolus!

  • The Falco rusticolus is a magnificent bird.

  • A Falco rusticolus in its white color phase is a striking sight against the snow.

  • Researchers tracked the migration patterns of Falco rusticolus across the Arctic tundra.

  • The Falco rusticolus is prized by falconers for its power and speed.

Synonyms

gyrfalcon
vsFalco rusticolus
1 9.9

A very large, rare bird of prey from Arctic regions, often white or gray

is the scientific binomial name used instead of the common name
gerfalcon
vsFalco rusticolus
  • US
9.9

A large rare Arctic falcon with white or dark feathers

is the scientific binomial name rather than the species' common name

Surface Forms

Falco rusticolus singular
Falco rusticolus plural

Morphology

Falco + rusticolus

This is a scientific Latin binomial (taxonomic name) functioning as a proper label for a specific species; such names do not compose into a predictable English meaning. While 'Falco' may suggest 'falcon', the second element 'rusticolus' is not an English lexical item (and is absent from learner dictionaries), so a B1 learner who only knows the constituents would not be able to infer that it refers to the gyrfalcon or its Arctic/colour-phase characteristics.

Etymology

Falco rusticolus comes from Latin words: Falco means 'falcon' and rusticolus means 'country'. So the name literally says 'country falcon', which helps you remember it is the name for a large, powerful falcon (the gyrfalcon).