kingfisher

/'kiɳ,fiʃə/

Thân thiện

A kingfisher perches on a branch over a calm river.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A nonpasserine bird characterized by a large head, a short tail, and a long, sharp bill. It is typically crested and brightly colored. Kingfishers are known for feeding primarily on fish.

Examples

• Noun:
  • We saw a brilliant blue kingfisher perched on a branch over the river.
  • The kingfisher dove into the water with incredible speed to catch a fish.

Advanced Usage

• "Kingfisher" as a symbol: In literature and art, the kingfisher is sometimes used as a symbol of peace, prosperity, or patience due to its hunting behavior.
  • In the poem, the kingfisher by the stream represented a moment of serene beauty.

Variants and Related Words

• Belted Kingfisher (n): A specific North American species () with a blue-gray and white plumage and a distinctive "belted" pattern.
  • The belted kingfisher's rattling call is a common sound near lakes.

Synonyms

• Halcyon (n): A poetic or archaic term for a kingfisher, often associated with calm weather in classical mythology.
• Fisher bird (n): A less common descriptive synonym.

Related Phrases

• "Halcyon days": An idiom derived from the myth of the kingfisher (halcyon) nesting on calm seas, now meaning a period of peace, happiness, and prosperity.
  • He often reminisced about the halcyon days of his youth.

Học thuật

Noun

1. nonpasserine large-headed bird with a short tail and long sharp bill; usually crested and bright-colored; feed mostly on fish