cardinal-bird
Definition
Noun: - A type of bird: "cardinal-bird" refers to a North American songbird (genus Cardinalis), known for its bright red plumage in the male and a distinctive crest. It is often called simply a "cardinal."
Usage Examples
- (A specific bird species with striking red colouring.)
- (A sighting of the bird in its natural habitat.)
Advanced Usage
"like a cardinal-bird": used in similes to describe something bright red or strikingly colourful.
- Her dress was as red as a cardinal-bird. (The dress was a vivid, eye-catching red.)
"the song of the cardinal-bird": referring to the bird's clear, whistling call.
- The song of the cardinal-bird is a cheerful sound in early spring. (The bird's vocalisation is pleasant and recognisable.)
Variants and Related Words
Cardinal (n, adj): a shortened form of "cardinal-bird"; also a high-ranking official in the Roman Catholic Church, and a deep red colour.
- The cardinal sat on the fence. (The bird, not the official.)
Cardinal-like (adj): resembling a cardinal-bird in appearance or behaviour.
- The cardinal-like crest on the toy bird was made of plastic. (Similar to the bird's crest.)
Synonyms
- Redbird: a common alternative name for the cardinal-bird, especially in the southern United States.
- Northern cardinal: the scientific common name for the species .
Related Idioms
- "as red as a cardinal": an idiom meaning very red, often used to describe embarrassment or bright colour.
- His face turned as red as a cardinal when he was caught. (His face became very red.)
Phrasal Verbs
- None directly associated with "cardinal-bird", as it is a noun compound. However, the verb "to birdwatch" (to observe birds) is related.
- We like to birdwatch for cardinal-birds in the park. (Observe birds, specifically cardinal-birds.)