flying bird
Definition
- Noun:
- A bird that is capable of flight: A member of the class Aves characterized by having a keeled sternum (breastbone) to which powerful flight muscles are attached, enabling powered flight.
Usage
- The term "flying bird" is used in ornithology and general description to specifically denote birds that have the anatomical capacity for active, flapping flight. It distinguishes them from flightless birds like ostriches or penguins.
- It is typically used in scientific, educational, or descriptive contexts.
Examples
- Noun:
- The eagle is a powerful flying bird.
- Most songbirds are small flying birds.
- The study compared the wing structure of various flying birds.
Advanced Usage
- As a taxonomic descriptor: In scientific classification, the group of flying birds is sometimes contrasted with ratites (flightless birds with a flat breastbone).
- The carinate birds, or flying birds, possess a keeled sternum.
Variants and Related Words
- Carinate (adj/n): Having a keel or ridge; specifically refers to birds with a keeled sternum. This is the formal scientific term for "flying bird."
- Volant (adj): An older or literary term meaning capable of flight.
- Flightless bird (n): The direct antonym, a bird that lacks the capacity for flight.
Synonyms
- Volant bird: A formal synonym.
- Carinate bird: A precise scientific synonym.
- Bird of flight: A descriptive synonym.
Notes on Usage
- The term "flying bird" is a compound noun. The explanation above treats it as a single lexical unit with a specific meaning. It should not be confused with the verb phrase "a bird is flying," which describes an action.
- In everyday language, most people simply say "bird," assuming the capability of flight. The term "flying bird" is used for clarity or contrast.
Noun
-
birds having keeled breastbones for attachment of flight muscles
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