Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Neophron percnopterus

Neophron percnopterus

9.9
A small mostly white vulture found in parts of Africa and southern Europe and Asia
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Neophron percnopterus
  • The Neophron percnopterus is easily recognized by its white plumage and yellow face.

Examples

  • Did you know that the Neophron percnopterus feeds primarily on carrion?

  • Conservationists are working to protect the declining populations of Neophron percnopterus in southern Europe.

  • We were fortunate to spot a Neophron percnopterus soaring above the cliffs during our safari.

  • The Neophron percnopterus is often seen soaring in the sky.

  • The Neophron percnopterus is known for its distinctive yellow face and mostly white feathers, making it a unique sight in the sky.

  • During our hike, we were thrilled to see a Neophron percnopterus circling gracefully above the rocky terrain.

  • In the wild, the Neophron percnopterus typically scavenges and is often spotted near carcasses.

Synonyms

Pharaoh's chicken
vsNeophron percnopterus
9.9

A small white vulture with a yellow face found in Africa and parts of Europe and Asia

is the identical bird but referred to with a different name
Egyptian vulture
vsNeophron percnopterus
8.7

A small white vulture with a yellow face and thin bill that lives in Africa and southern Asia

is the basic species name without the added physical details

Surface Forms

Neophron percnopterus singular
Neophron percnopteruses plural

Morphology

Neophron + percnopterus

This is a Latin binomial taxonomic name rather than a regular English compositional phrase; knowing 'Neophron' (a genus of vultures) and an unknown element 'percnopterus' would not allow a B1 learner to infer the specific meaning 'Egyptian vulture'. Taxonomic Latin is language-specific and requires specialist knowledge, so the overall meaning is not transparently derivable from the constituents.

Etymology

Neophron percnopterus is the scientific name for the small white vulture called the 'Egyptian vulture'. Picture a bright white bird with a yellow face and long wings soaring alone above cliffs — that clear image explains why the name refers to a small, mostly white vulture.