red-shouldered hawk
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A medium-sized hawk native to North America, characterized by distinctive reddish-brown or chestnut-colored feathers on its shoulders and upper wing coverts. It is a bird of prey known for its loud, repetitive call and preference for forested areas near water.
Usage
The term "red-shouldered hawk" is used to specifically identify this species of raptor (Buteo lineatus). It functions as a countable noun. - We spotted a red-shouldered hawk perched on a branch over the creek. - The call of the red-shouldered hawk is often described as a loud "kee-ahh". - Red-shouldered hawks are less common in open fields than their red-tailed cousins.
Advanced Usage
- In Ornithology and Birdwatching: The term is used precisely for species identification, often noting subspecies variations (e.g., Eastern, Florida, Texas red-shouldered hawk).
- The guide pointed out the key field marks that distinguish an Eastern red-shouldered hawk from a broad-winged hawk.
Variants and Related Words
- Red-shouldered (adj.): Used as a descriptor, often hyphenated.
- The bird's red-shouldered plumage was visible in the sunlight.
- Hawk (n.): The general category of diurnal birds of prey to which this species belongs.
- (n.): The scientific binomial name for the species.
Synonyms
- None in Common Use: As a specific common name for a single species, there are no true synonyms. In casual conversation, it might be generically referred to as a "hawk" or "bird of prey," but these are not specific synonyms.
Related Phrases
- None Specific: There are no common phrasal verbs or idioms that incorporate the full term "red-shouldered hawk."
Related Idioms
- None Specific: The term "red-shouldered hawk" itself is not part of any standard English idiom.
Noun
- North American hawk with reddish brown shoulders