king vulture
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A large New World vulture: A species of vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) native to the tropical lowland forests of Central and South America. It is distinguished by its striking coloration, bare head and neck, and prominent fleshy growths.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The king vulture is often considered one of the most colorful of all vultures.
- We were lucky to spot a king vulture soaring above the canopy.
- Unlike many scavengers, the king vulture has an excellent sense of smell.
Advanced Usage
- Ecological role: The term is used to denote this species' specific role as a scavenger in its ecosystem.
- The king vulture often displaces smaller vultures at a carcass due to its size and powerful beak.
- Symbolic and cultural references: In some Mesoamerican cultures, the king vulture was featured in art and mythology.
- The Mayans associated the king vulture with the gods and believed it carried messages between the heavens and the earth.
Variants and Related Words
- Sarcoramphus papa (n): The scientific (Latin) name for the king vulture.
- New World vulture (n): The family (Cathartidae) to which the king vulture belongs, distinct from the vultures of Africa, Asia, and Europe (Old World vultures).
Synonyms
- Sarcoramphus papa (n): The scientific synonym.
- American king vulture (n): A less common descriptive synonym.
Related Phrases and Terms
- Caruncle (n): The technical term for the brightly colored fleshy growths (wattles) on the head and neck of the king vulture.
- Scavenger (n): An organism that feeds on dead organic material, describing the king vulture's primary feeding behavior.
Noun
- large black-and-white vulture of South America and Central America; have colorful wattles and wartlike protuberances on head and neck