piping crow-shrike
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Definition
Noun 1. A crow-sized black-and-white bird, known for being a good mimic and often kept in a cage. This term refers specifically to the Australian bird species Gymnorhina tibicen, commonly known as the Australian magpie.
Usage Notes
- The term "piping crow-shrike" is a specific common name for a particular bird species. It is a compound noun used as a single identifier.
- It is primarily used in ornithological contexts or in regions where the bird is native (Australia). In everyday language, the name "Australian magpie" is far more common.
- The hyphen in "crow-shrike" links the two words to form a single descriptive unit modifying "piping."
Examples
- The distinctive call of the piping crow-shrike is a familiar sound in the Australian bush.
- Early naturalists documented the piping crow-shrike for its remarkable vocal abilities.
- A piping crow-shrike was observed mimicking the sound of a car alarm.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe related nouns.
- Example: We studied the piping crow-shrike population in the park.
Variants and Related Words
- Australian Magpie: The most common and widely used name for the same bird ().
- Magpie (in an Australian context): Often used as a shortened form, but can be ambiguous elsewhere as it may refer to other magpie species.
- Piping Crow: A less common, shortened variant of the full name.
Synonyms
- Australian magpie
- (Formal/Scientific)
Notes on Meaning
- The name descriptively combines key features: "piping" refers to its flute-like or whistling calls, "crow" suggests its approximate size and some behavioral similarities, and "shrike" is an old term for certain perching birds, though this bird is not a true shrike. The "good mimic often caged" part of the definition highlights its notable behavioral trait of vocal mimicry, which made it a popular cage bird historically.
Noun
- crow-sized black-and-white bird; a good mimic often caged