peregrine falcon
3
5.5
- noun
- /ˈpɛrɪɡrɪn ˈfɔlkən/
:
halcón peregrino
- Birdwatchers are excited to spot a peregrine falcon diving through the air at incredible speeds.
- peregrine falcon nest
- peregrine falcon population
- the fastest peregrine falcon
Examples
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Peregrine falcons, for instance, hunt their mostly avian prey from staggering heights.
Academic text (2009) -
The children were halfway down when a peregrine falcon, flying out of the sun, dived at them curiously.
Fiction book (2002) -
Once in a while, a peregrine falcon swoops down and eats a pigeon.
Blog text (32) -
In addition to educating students about the peregrine falcon, Raptors in the City encourages them to become conservation activists.
Academic text (2002) -
RAPTORS IN THE CITY is an inquiry-based program that teaches Grades 4-6 students about the peregrine falcon, the fastest creature on the planet.
Academic text (2002) -
The key to the recovery of peregrine falcons was the banning of the pesticides that contributed to eggshell thinning and reproductive failure.
Academic text (2012) -
Similarly shaped raptors, such as peregrine falcons and goshawks, are adept at the agile pursuit and rapid capture of birds in flight.
Academic text (2003) -
The peregrine falcon is known for its remarkable hunting skills, making it a favorite among falconers.
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In urban areas, the peregrine falcon often nests on skyscrapers, adapting to city life.
Synonyms
5
9.1
A large fast falcon that dives at high speed to catch prey
A type of falcon that dives very fast to catch animals
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun phrase is directly compositional: 'peregrine' identifies a particular type/species and 'falcon' names the bird, so together they denote a falcon of the peregrine type (a swift species noted for diving speed). This modifier+head noun pattern is cross-linguistically common and follows standard English naming conventions, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the meaning.
Etymology
The name peregrine falcon may come from an old word peregrine meaning 'traveler' or 'wanderer'. Because these birds live in many lands and often travel long distances, the name fits this fast, wide-ranging hunter.