belted kingfisher
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A North American bird of the kingfisher family: The belted kingfisher is a medium-sized, stocky bird (Megaceryle alcyon) native to North America. It is characterized by its distinctive blue-grey and white plumage and, most notably, a broad chestnut-colored band across its chest. It is commonly found near bodies of water where it dives to catch fish.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- We spotted a belted kingfisher perched on a branch overhanging the river.
- The loud, rattling call of the belted kingfisher is a familiar sound along the lake shore.
- Unlike many bird species, the female belted kingfisher has more colorful plumage than the male, featuring an additional rust-colored band on its flanks.
Advanced Usage
- As a subject of study or observation in ornithology: The term is used in scientific and birdwatching contexts to specifically identify this species.
- The research paper focused on the nesting habits of the belted kingfisher.
Variants and Related Words
- Kingfisher (n): The general family of birds (Alcedinidae) to which the belted kingfisher belongs, typically characterized by fishing behavior.
- Megaceryle alcyon (n): The scientific (Latin) name for the belted kingfisher.
Synonyms
- North American kingfisher: A descriptive synonym specifying its region.
Related Phrases
- Belted kingfisher's call: Refers specifically to the loud, mechanical rattling sound made by this bird.
- I recognized the belted kingfisher's call before I even saw it.
Related Idioms
(This specific bird name is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions.)
Noun
- greyish-blue North American kingfisher with a chestnut band on its chest