king vulture
C2Scientific / Specialized / Wildlife Enthusiast
Definition
Meaning
A large, brightly coloured vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) native to Central and South America.
A New World vulture recognized by its striking yellow, orange, and blue head and neck, and its position as the dominant scavenger in its range due to its size and powerful beak.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in term usage between BrE and AmE, as it is a zoological term.
Connotations
Identical. Connotes a majestic, dominant scavenger in its ecosystem.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to specialized contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The king vulture [verb: soars/scavenges/nests].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Usage
Context Usage
Academic
The king vulture plays a crucial role in neotropical ecosystems as a primary scavenger.
Everyday
On our trip to Belize, we were lucky to see a king vulture circling overhead.
Technical
Sarcoramphus papa is distinguished by its zygodactyl feet and carunculated cere.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The king vulture is a spectacular sight in the rainforest canopy.
American English
- A king vulture can easily tear open a tough carcass with its powerful beak.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We saw a big bird. It was a king vulture.
- The king vulture is a very large bird with colourful skin on its head.
- Unlike many vultures, the king vulture has a strikingly colourful head and a very powerful beak.
- Ecologists study the king vulture to understand scavenger hierarchies in neotropical forest ecosystems.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'KING of the vultures' due to its bright, crown-like head colours and dominant size.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONARCHY/ DOMINANCE (The 'king' vulture rules over other scavengers at a carcass.)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'король гриф' in scientific contexts; use the zoological term 'королевский гриф' or the Latin name.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'king vulture' as a generic term for any large vulture (it is a specific species).
- Spelling as 'king vultcher'.
Practice
Quiz
Where is the king vulture primarily found?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is one of the largest vultures in the Americas, but the Andean condor is larger. Globally, Old World vultures like the cinereous vulture can be larger.
It is called 'king' due to its dominant behaviour at carcasses, often displacing smaller vulture species, and its majestic, colourful appearance.
It is currently listed as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN but faces threats from habitat loss and hunting in some parts of its range.
It is an obligate scavenger, feeding exclusively on carrion (dead animals).