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Glite Dictionary
thornbill

thornbill

9.9
A small South American hummingbird with a thin sharp bill
  • noun
  • /ˈθɔrnˌbɪl/
: colibrí espinoso
  • A rare thornbill was spotted feeding on nectar from colorful flowers in the Amazon rainforest.

Examples

  • Several species of thornbill can be found in the forests of South America.

  • The thornbill hovered delicately as it fed from the vibrant flowers.

  • Birdwatchers were excited to spot a rare thornbill near the riverbank.

  • Look at that beautiful thornbill over there!

  • The thornbill is known for its vibrant colors.

  • During their hike, the birdwatchers were thrilled to observe a thornbill darting between blossoms.

  • The small thornbill has a distinctive sharp-pointed bill that helps it extract insects from tiny crevices.

Synonyms

Chalcostigma
vsthornbill
  • Specialized
9.9

Small South American hummingbirds called thornbills that live in the Andes

is the general name for any small South American hummingbird with a slender bill
Ramphomicron
vsthornbill
  • Specialized
9.9

A small group of hummingbirds known as thornbills, including black-backed and purple-backed species

is the general name for any small South American hummingbird with a slender bill

Surface Forms

thornbill singular
thornbills plural

Morphology

thornbill = thorn + bill (transparent) = thorn + bill

The name is a straightforward compound referring to a bird with a thorn-like (slender, sharp) bill, which is directly inferable from the parts.

Etymology

Thornbill is made of two simple English words: thorn meaning 'sharp point' and bill meaning 'beak'. That's why a thornbill is a small hummingbird named for its thin, needle-like 'bill' that looks like a thorn.