carrion-crow
Definition
- Noun:
- A common European crow: "carrion-crow" refers to Corvus corone, a medium-sized black bird of the crow family, often found in Europe and parts of Asia. It is known for feeding on carrion (dead animal flesh).
- A scavenger bird: More broadly, "carrion-crow" can denote any crow that primarily eats dead animals, but it specifically designates the species named above.
Usage Examples
- (A specific European crow species was sitting on the fence, observing dead animal remains.)
- (Farmers view this crow as a nuisance due to its feeding habits.)
Advanced Usage
"carrion-crow" in ornithology: The term is used scientifically to distinguish Corvus corone from other crows like the hooded crow or rook.
- The carrion-crow is often confused with the rook, but it has a thicker beak and a different call. (In bird studies, this crow is differentiated by physical traits.)
Figurative use: Rarely, "carrion-crow" can be used metaphorically to describe a person who profits from others' misfortune or death.
- The lawyer was called a carrion-crow for taking advantage of the widow's grief. (The lawyer was criticized for exploiting someone's sadness for financial gain.)
Variants and Related Words
Carrion (n): the decaying flesh of dead animals.
- The vulture feeds on carrion. (The vulture eats dead animal remains.)
Crow (n): a general term for birds in the genus Corvus, including the carrion-crow.
- A large flock of crows gathered in the field. (Many crows assembled together.)
Synonyms
- Scavenger: an animal that feeds on dead organic matter.
- Corvus corone: the scientific name for the carrion-crow.
Related Idioms
As black as a carrion-crow: an expression describing something very dark or gloomy.
- His mood was as black as a carrion-crow after the bad news. (His mood was extremely dark and sorrowful.)
To eat crow (not directly related but similar in theme): to admit a mistake or be humiliated.
- He had to eat crow after his prediction was proven wrong. (He had to humbly accept his error.)