shining cuckoo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / TechnicalTechnical / Scientific / Regional (NZ)
Quick answer
What does “shining cuckoo” mean?
A small, migratory bird of the cuckoo family (Chrysococcyx lucidus), notable for its bright green upperparts and distinctive repetitive call.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, migratory bird of the cuckoo family (Chrysococcyx lucidus), notable for its bright green upperparts and distinctive repetitive call.
A specific bird species also known as the pipiwharauroa (Māori), bronze cuckoo, or Chrysococcyx lucidus, which is native to New Zealand, Australia, and some Pacific islands. It is known as a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other birds.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the term is used in ornithological contexts related to Australasian species. In American English, the term is virtually unknown outside of specialized ornithology, as the species is not native to North America. Americans might use 'bronze cuckoo' as a more general term.
Connotations
In British English (when used), it is neutral and descriptive. In New Zealand English, it has cultural and seasonal connotations (a harbinger of spring). In American English, it has no specific connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general English. Higher frequency in New Zealand English and in specific ornithological texts.
Grammar
How to Use “shining cuckoo” in a Sentence
The shining cuckoo {verb} [in the forest].We observed a shining cuckoo {verb-ing}.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shining cuckoo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The shining cuckoo has been known to parasitise grey warbler nests.
- It winters in the Solomon Islands.
American English
- The shining cuckoo migrates to the Pacific islands.
- It parasitises the nests of other birds.
adjective
British English
- The shining-cuckoo population appears stable this year.
- We studied shining-cuckoo behaviour.
American English
- The shining-cuckoo specimen was catalogued.
- Shining-cuckoo ecology is fascinating.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in biological, zoological, and ecological research papers discussing brood parasitism or Australasian avifauna.
Everyday
Used in New Zealand in casual conversation about seasonal changes ('I heard the first shining cuckoo today, spring must be here').
Technical
Standard term in ornithology for the specific species Chrysococcyx lucidus.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shining cuckoo”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shining cuckoo”
- Incorrectly using 'shiny cuckoo' instead of the fixed name 'shining cuckoo'.
- Assuming it is the same as the European cuckoo.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are both in the cuckoo family (Cuculidae), but the cuckoo in clocks is based on the European common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), a different species.
No, the shining cuckoo is not native to Europe. It is found in New Zealand, Australia, and parts of the Pacific.
The name refers to its glossy, iridescent green and bronze upper plumage, which can appear to shine in the light.
Its call is a distinctive, repetitive, upward-slurring whistle, often described as a rising 'pee-pee-pee-pee' or 'tsee-tsee-tsee' sound, quite different from the classic European 'cuckoo'.
A small, migratory bird of the cuckoo family (Chrysococcyx lucidus), notable for its bright green upperparts and distinctive repetitive call.
Shining cuckoo is usually technical / scientific / regional (nz) in register.
Shining cuckoo: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃaɪ.nɪŋ ˈkʊk.uː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃaɪ.nɪŋ ˈkuː.kuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a small, brightly SHINING emerald flying through the woods making a 'cuckoo' sound.
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining behavioural characteristic of the shining cuckoo?