Aglaeactis aliciae is a species of hummingbird found in Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador. This bird is named after Alice Freeman, an American ornithologist. The spelling of this word uses the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to convey the pronunciation accurately. The word is pronounced as əˌɡliːˈæk.tɪs əˈlɪsi.ə. The phonetic transcription indicates that the stress is on the second syllable of both words - aglaeactis and aliciae. Correct spelling and pronunciation of scientific names are essential for proper communication in research and education.
Aglaeactis aliciae refers to a species of hummingbird that is native to the Andean mountains of South America. Here is a 200-word dictionary definition:
Aglaeactis aliciae is a small and vibrantly colored bird belonging to the family Trochilidae, commonly known as hummingbirds. Specifically found in the high elevations of the Andes Mountains, this species is known for its distinctive appearance and fascinating behavior.
These hummingbirds measure about 9 to 11 centimeters in length, with the males being slightly larger than females. The most remarkable feature of Aglaeactis aliciae is its striking plumage. The upper parts of this species exhibit a shimmering green coloration, while the underparts showcase a vibrant purple to violet shade. Males possess a long, black bill and a prominent crest on their foreheads, adding to their visual appeal.
Aglaeactis aliciae is well adapted for feeding on nectar, their primary food source. The long, slender bill allows them to reach into flowers and extract the sugary liquid with their specialized tongue. Additionally, these hummingbirds consume small insects to supplement their diet.
This species is known for its territorial behavior, fiercely defending their feeding areas and breeding territories from intruders. They are highly agile fliers, able to hover in mid-air and rapidly change direction during flight.
Due to their limited geographical range and specific habitat requirements, Aglaeactis aliciae is considered to be a species of conservation concern. Loss of suitable habitat and other human-induced disturbances pose significant threats to their survival. Efforts are being made to raise awareness and implement conservation measures to protect this beautiful hummingbird species.
The word "Aglaeactis aliciae" is not derived from any etymology because it represents the scientific name of a species, specifically a bird known as the Violet-throated Starfrontlet.
In the scientific naming of species, a binomial nomenclature system is used, which consists of two words: the genus name (in this case "Aglaeactis") and the species name (in this case "aliciae"). The genus name typically references a group of closely related species within a particular family, while the species name is often a unique identifier for a specific species.
These scientific names are often coined by taxonomists, scientists who specialize in classifying and naming organisms. The choice of words in scientific names can be influenced by various factors, including characteristics of the species, homage to individuals who made significant contributions to the field of taxonomy, or personal preferences of the taxonomist naming the species.