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Glite Dictionary
Tyrannus tyrannus

Tyrannus tyrannus

9.9
A large North American bird called the eastern kingbird that catches insects while flying
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Tyrannus tyrannus
  • Field guides list Tyrannus tyrannus as one of the most widespread kingbirds in North America.

Examples

  • The Tyrannus tyrannus is known for its bold and aggressive defense of territory.

  • Birdwatchers were excited to spot a Tyrannus tyrannus during the migration season.

  • The Tyrannus tyrannus is known for its aggressive behavior during nesting.

  • Have you ever seen a Tyrannus tyrannus in the wild?

  • Birdwatchers were excited to spot a Tyrannus tyrannus during the migration season.

  • Field guides list Tyrannus tyrannus as one of the most widespread kingbirds in North America.

  • The Tyrannus tyrannus is known for its bold and aggressive defense of territory.

Synonyms

eastern kingbird
vsTyrannus tyrannus
  • US
7.4

A North American bird with a dark body and a white-tipped tail that eats insects

is the formal Latin name used in scientific classification of the species

Surface Forms

Tyrannus tyrannus singular
Tyrannus tyrannuses plural
Tyrannus tyranni plural

Morphology

Tyrannus + Tyrannus

This is partially transparent: the repeated element 'Tyrannus' signals a taxonomic name so a learner who knows the constituent meaning ('tyrant flycatchers') can infer it refers to a bird in that genus. However, understanding it specifically as the scientific binomial for the Eastern Kingbird requires knowledge of Latin binomial naming conventions and species epithets, which a B1 learner would not reliably have.

Etymology

Tyrannus tyrannus comes from the Latin word tyrannus, which means 'tyrant'. Because these kingbirds are very bold and chase other birds away from their nests, the name gives a clear picture of a small bird acting like a 'tyrant', and that is why the name fits their behavior.