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Sylvia communis

Sylvia communis

9.9
A small grey-brown songbird with a white throat found in Europe
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : curruca común
  • The Sylvia communis is known for its distinctive white throat and melodious song.

Examples

  • The Sylvia communis is often found in hedgerows.

  • Many birdwatchers hope to spot the elusive Sylvia communis during migration season.

  • Conservationists are studying the breeding habits of Sylvia communis in various European habitats.

  • Have you seen a Sylvia communis in the garden?

  • Many birdwatchers hope to spot the elusive Sylvia communis during migration season.

  • Conservationists are studying the breeding habits of Sylvia communis in various European habitats.

  • The Sylvia communis is known for its distinctive white throat and melodious song.

Synonyms

greater whitethroat
vsSylvia communis
  • UK
9.9

A small brown bird with a white throat that sings in hedges in Europe and western Asia

is the scientific name for that exact species
whitethroat
vsSylvia communis
  • UK
9.9

A small songbird that lives in Europe and western Asia and has a pale white throat

is the formal species name used for the same bird

Surface Forms

Morphology

Sylvia + communis

Sylvia communis is a Latin binomial (taxonomic) name whose constituents are Latin forms, not transparent English words; a B1 learner who knows English vocabulary would not reliably derive 'common whitethroat' from 'Sylvia' and 'communis'. The phrase functions as a conventional scientific label rather than a compositional expression, so the meaning is not predictable from the parts.

Etymology

Sylvia communis is a Latin name: Sylvia comes from a word meaning 'wood' and communis means 'common'. So the name tells you it is a common small bird of woods and hedges, the 'common whitethroat' many people see.