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Glite Dictionary
genus Lanius

genus Lanius

9.9
A group of small birds called shrikes that catch and eat insects and small animals
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒiːnəs ˈleɪniəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Lanius
  • The genus Lanius includes many species of shrikes found across Eurasia and Africa.

Examples

  • Members of the genus Lanius are known for their distinctive hooked bills and predatory behavior.

  • Scientists have recently identified a new species within the genus Lanius.

  • The genus Lanius includes various species of shrikes.

  • Did you know that the genus Lanius is known for its predatory nature?

  • The genus Lanius includes many species of shrikes known for their hunting skills.

  • Scientists have recently discovered a new species of bird that belongs to the genus Lanius.

  • Members of the genus Lanius are often found in open habitats where they can spot their prey.

Synonyms

Lanius
vsgenus Lanius
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of medium-sized birds like shrikes that catch small animals

highlights its role as the family's type genus in taxonomy

Surface Forms

genus Lanius singular
genera Lanius plural

Morphology

genus + Lanius

The phrase combines 'genus' (a biological rank) with the proper name 'Lanius' (a bird genus), so its meaning — the taxonomic genus Lanius comprising shrikes — is directly derivable from the constituents. This is a compositional, naming convention common across languages, making it readily understandable to a learner who knows both words.

Etymology

Genus Lanius comes from the Latin word Lanius, which means 'butcher'. Shrikes in this group often catch small animals and stick them on thorns or wire like meat hung by a butcher, so the name shows their hunting habit.