Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
genus Pica

genus Pica

9.1
A group of magpies with long tails and black and white feathers
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs ˈpaɪkə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Pica
  • Members of the genus Pica are known for their distinctive black and white feathers.

Examples

  • The genus Pica includes several types of true magpies found in Europe and Asia.

  • The genus Pica is recognized for its long tails and intelligent foraging habits.

  • Scientists studied the nesting habits of birds in the genus Pica.

  • The genus Pica includes several species of magpies.

  • Did you know that genus Pica contains the Eurasian magpie?

  • Birdwatchers often spot members of the genus Pica for their striking black-and-white plumage.

  • Researchers are fascinated by the behaviors of the genus Pica, especially the Eurasian magpie.

Surface Forms

genus Pica singular
genera Pica plural

Morphology

genus + Pica

This is compositionally transparent: 'genus' names a biological rank and 'Pica' functions as the proper name of that rank, so a learner who knows those constituents will understand it denotes the taxonomic group called Pica. The phrase follows a standard cross-linguistic naming pattern (rank + name), so while a B1 learner might not know which species belong to Pica, they will grasp that it is a genus of organisms.

Etymology

Genus Pica comes from the old Latin word pica, which meant the bird called a 'magpie'. Scientists used genus plus that old name to label the group of long-tailed, black-and-white magpie species, so today genus Pica means that scientific group.