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coraciiform bird

coraciiform bird

9.9
A short-legged bird that lives in trees and usually nests in holes
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : ave coraciiforme
  • The nest of a coraciiform bird is usually found in tree hollows or riverbanks.

Examples

  • Scientists conducted a field study on the feeding habits of several coraciiform birds in the rainforest.

  • Many coraciiform birds are known for their vibrant plumage and elaborate courtship displays.

  • The coraciiform bird perched on the tree branch.

  • Many coraciiform birds are known for their vibrant colors.

  • Many coraciiform birds are known for their vibrant plumage and elaborate courtship displays.

  • Scientists conducted a field study on the feeding habits of several coraciiform birds in the rainforest.

  • The nest of a coraciiform bird is usually found in tree hollows or riverbanks.

Synonyms

order Coraciiformes
vscoraciiform bird
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of colorful birds like kingfishers and bee-eaters

is a single short-legged tree-dwelling species within that group
Coraciiformes
vscoraciiform bird
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of brightly coloured birds including kingfishers and rollers

is one member type mainly short-legged and nesting in holes

Surface Forms

Morphology

coraciiform + bird

This is a straightforward adjective + noun composition: if a learner knows 'coraciiform' (i.e. ‘relating to the order Coraciiformes’) and 'bird', they can infer it denotes a kind of bird. Although 'coraciiform' is a technical, likely unfamiliar term for B1 learners, the meaning is compositionally derived from the constituents.

Etymology

Coraciiform bird comes from the old name Coracias, a bright bird called a roller that nests in holes. Scientists used that name for birds like rollers, which are often short-legged, live in trees and nest in holes, so today 'coraciiform bird' means a bird from that group.