Kingbird

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A species of bird distinguished by its ability to hunt insects, characterized by notable plumage and assertiveness in defending its territory, it belongs to the flycatcher family and is typically found in open environments
2. A bird known for catching insects in midair and aggressively protecting its home territory
3. A flycatcher species that actively hunts airborne insects and defends its area with boldness

Etymology: The kingbird gets its name from its fearless defence of territory rather than any regal plumage. Its genus name, Tyrannus, is a fitting parallel: these flycatchers are known for chasing off hawks, crows and much larger birds that venture near their nests. The "king" in the name points to this dominance, a sense of a ruler holding its patch of open ground. The second element, "bird," is an ordinary English word, so the compound is transparent in a way many bird names are not. Many kingbirds do wear a bright crown or a flash of colour on the head, but the name's origin lies in behaviour, not appearance.

Synonyms: tyrant flycatcher