true flycatcher

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Word: True Flycatcher

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A true flycatcher is a type of small songbird that mainly eats insects. These birds catch their food while flying, meaning they snatch insects out of the air.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "true flycatcher" when talking about these specific birds in a general context.
• For example, you might say: "The true flycatcher is known for its impressive flying skills."

Example Sentence:

"The true flycatcher perched on a branch, waiting for insects to fly by so it could catch them."

Advanced Usage:

In more detailed discussions about birdwatching or ornithology (the study of birds), you might mention the different species of true flycatchers, such as the Eastern Kingbird or the Black-capped Flycatcher. You could say: "Ornithologists often study the feeding habits of true flycatchers to understand their role in controlling insect populations."

Word Variants:

• Flycatcher: This is a shorter term that can refer to true flycatchers or other types of birds that catch flies.
• Flycatching (verb): The action of catching flies or other insects while flying.

Different Meaning:

The term "flycatcher" can also refer to some other birds that might not belong to the true flycatcher family but share similar feeding habits.

Synonyms:

• Insectivorous birds: Birds that primarily eat insects.
• Bird of prey (in a very loose sense, as true flycatchers are not raptors, but the term refers to birds that hunt for food).

Idioms:

There are no specific idioms that use "true flycatcher," but you can use phrases like "caught in the act," which can relate to the way these birds catch their prey.

Phrasal Verbs:

There are no well-known phrasal verbs directly associated with "true flycatcher," but you might use related verbs like "catch up" or "take off" in sentences about birds flying and hunting for insects.

Summary:

The true flycatcher is a fascinating bird known for its agility and hunting skills. It plays an important role in nature by helping to control insect populations.

Academic

Noun

1. any of a large group of small songbirds that feed on insects taken on the wing

Synonyms

• Old World flycatcher
• flycatcher