Pygargus

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A large bird of prey often referred to as a type of eagle with distinctive white tail feathers ; a raptor known for hunting small to medium-sized mammals and birds in open landscapes ; commonly recognized as a symbol of courage and keen eyesight in various cultures
2. A powerful predatory bird carrying sharp talons and a hooked beak, typically inhabiting grasslands or mountains and preying on animals; a species named for its pale tail plume; an emblematic creature portrayed in heraldry
3. A carnivorous avian predator notable for its striking white rump and tail contrast; a bird that soars high to spot prey below and uses strong claws to capture it; frequently mentioned in natural history contexts as a representative eagle species

Etymology: Pygargus comes from Latin, where it was borrowed from Greek "pygargos," a compound of "pyge," meaning rump or buttocks, and "argos," meaning white. The name refers directly to the bird's most noticeable feature: the pale patch on its rump and tail that stands out against its darker plumage. The Greek name was applied to a large hawk-like bird, and the same descriptive logic that produced it is still visible in the English-facing word, which reads as a literal description of the animal's appearance.

Synonyms: white-tailed eagle