Definition

Noun: 1. A North American kingfisher: A specific species of bird, the belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon), characterized by its distinctive blue-grey and white plumage and a prominent, shaggy crest. The term "ceryle alcyon" is its former scientific name, now primarily used in historical or specialized contexts.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Ceryle alcyon is a common sight along rivers and lakeshores.
  • Ornithologists once classified the belted kingfisher under the genus Ceryle, hence the name Ceryle alcyon.

Advanced Usage

• In binomial nomenclature: The term is used in the context of scientific classification, where was the genus and the species identifier. It demonstrates how scientific names can change with new research.
  • The bird known as Ceryle alcyon in older field guides is now listed as Megaceryle alcyon.

Variants and Related Words

• Belted kingfisher (n): The common English name for this bird.
• Megaceryle alcyon (n): The current, accepted scientific name.
• Kingfisher (n): The general family of birds (Alcedinidae) to which this species belongs.

Synonyms

• Belted kingfisher

Notes on Meaning

This term is highly specific and technical. In everyday English, the bird is exclusively called the belted kingfisher. "Ceryle alcyon" is encountered almost solely in historical texts, older scientific literature, or discussions about taxonomic history. It does not have separate meanings or idioms associated with it in general usage.

Noun

1. greyish-blue North American kingfisher with a chestnut band on its chest