bird of night

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Thân thiện
Definition

Noun: 1. A nocturnal bird of prey: This term refers specifically to owls. It highlights key physical characteristics typical of owls: a hawk-like beak and claws for hunting, a large head, and front-facing eyes adapted for seeing in low light.

Usage Notes
  • "Bird of night" is a descriptive, somewhat poetic term for an owl. It is not a scientific classification but a common name emphasizing the creature's nocturnal (night-active) nature and predatory habits.
  • It is used as a singular, countable noun. The plural is "birds of night."
  • This term is more likely to be found in literary, descriptive, or educational contexts than in everyday casual speech, where "owl" is standard.
Examples of Usage
  • The silent flight of the bird of night is an adaptation for hunting.
  • In the old forest, the only sound was the haunting call of a bird of night.
  • The book described the bird of night as a symbol of wisdom in many cultures.
Advanced / Figurative Usage
  • The phrase can be used metaphorically to describe a person who is active, watchful, or most productive during the night.
    • As a writer, he was a true bird of night, doing his best work after midnight.
Variants and Related Words
  • Owl (n): The standard, common term for these birds.
  • Nocturnal bird (n): A general term for any bird active at night, which includes but is not limited to owls.
  • Raptor (n) / Bird of prey (n): General terms for predatory birds like hawks, eagles, and owls.
Synonyms
  • Owl
  • Nocturnal bird of prey
  • Hooter (informal)
  • Strigine bird (technical, relating to the order )
Related Idioms and Phrases
  • Night owl: An idiom for a person who habitually stays up late or is active at night.
    • "Don't expect her before noon; she's a real night owl." (Note: "Night owl" is a common idiom for a person, while "bird of night" literally refers to the animal.)
Noun
  1. nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes

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