gray waxbill (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/ɡreɪ wæksbɪl/

Meaning and Usage

The term "gray waxbill" refers to a small, colorful bird belonging to the Estrildidae family, often found in Africa. Characterized by its gray plumage and distinctive markings, the gray waxbill is known for its social behavior and can often be seen in flocks. In terms of usage, the word is more commonly found in written contexts, particularly in ornithological literature or discussions about wildlife.

Example Sentences

1. The gray waxbill is often seen fluttering around the bushes near the waterhole.
   (Gray waxbill geralmente é visto esvoaçando ao redor dos arbustos perto do poço de água.)

2. Birdwatchers from all over the region come to enjoy the sight of the gray waxbill among the other species.
   (Observadores de aves de toda a região vêm para apreciar a visão do gray waxbill entre as outras espécies.)

3. The delicate chirping of the gray waxbill adds a beautiful melody to the morning air.
   (O delicado chilrear do gray waxbill adiciona uma bela melodia ao ar da manhã.)

Idiomatic Expressions

While "gray waxbill" does not have widely recognized idiomatic expressions associated with it, it can appear in discussions related to nature, ecology, or birdwatching contexts. Here are a few illustrative sentences:

1. "Chasing after the elusive gray waxbill requires patience and keen observation skills."
   (Perseguir o esquivo gray waxbill requer paciência e habilidades de observação aguçadas.)

2. "In the world of birdwatching, spotting a gray waxbill is a feather in one's cap."
   (No mundo da observação de aves, avistar um gray waxbill é uma conquista.)

3. "Studying the gray waxbill can open a window into the diverse avian life of its native habitat."
   (Estudar o gray waxbill pode abrir uma janela para a vida aviar diversificada de seu habitat nativo.)

Etymology

The term "waxbill" derives from the combination of "wax," referring to the smooth, gloss-like quality of the bird's plumage, and "bill," which denotes the bird's beak. The specific descriptor "gray" indicates the predominant coloration of this species.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms:
- Estrildid - Finches (general family context)

Antonyms:
- There are no direct antonyms for "gray waxbill" as it refers specifically to a singular bird species. However, terms like "non-native birds" could serve as contrasting concepts in an ecological discussion.