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Glite Dictionary
Falco tinnunculus

Falco tinnunculus

9.9
A small hunting bird that hovers above fields while looking for mice and insects
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : cernícalo
  • The Falco tinnunculus is often seen hovering above open fields searching for prey.

Examples

  • The distinctive flight of Falco tinnunculus makes it easy to recognize among other birds of prey.

  • Many birdwatchers are excited to spot a Falco tinnunculus in the wild.

  • Birdwatchers were excited to spot a Falco tinnunculus near the edge of the forest.

  • The Falco tinnunculus is often seen hovering over fields.

  • The Falco tinnunculus is known for its ability to hover in the air while hunting.

  • You can often hear the call of the Falco tinnunculus as it searches for small mammals in the grass.

  • During the migration season, many Falco tinnunculus can be spotted perched on power lines.

Synonyms

kestrel
vsFalco tinnunculus
3 7.9

A small hunting bird with long wings and tail that hovers to catch small animals

is the scientific Latin name used in formal or scientific contexts

Surface Forms

Falco tinnunculus singular
Falco tinnunculi plural

Morphology

Falco + tinnunculus

This is a Latin scientific (binomial) name serving as a taxonomic label rather than a compositional English phrase. Knowing 'Falco' only signals a falcon genus and 'tinnunculus' is not a common English word (and is undefined here), so the specific meaning 'common kestrel' cannot be derived by a B1 learner from the constituents without specialized biological/Latin knowledge.

Etymology

Falco tinnunculus comes from old Latin words: Falco means 'falcon' and tinnunculus was used for a small kestrel. The second word may come from a word for the bird's high, ringing call, so the full name simply pictures a small falcon and fits the common kestrel today.