Pronunciation: [ɡˈə͡ʊldən swˈɒlə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The word "golden swallow" is spelled as ˈɡoʊldən ˈswɑloʊ. The first word is spelled with a "g" sound followed by an "o" and "l" sound, then "d" and "e" sounds, and finally a "n" sound. The second word starts with an "s" sound, followed by a "w" sound, then an "a" and "l" sound, and an "o" and "w" sound. The phonetic transcription helps to clearly illustrate how the sounds of the word are expected to be pronounced.
Golden swallow is a noun that refers to a rare and strikingly beautiful bird species belonging to the Hirundinidae family and Teretistris genus. This critically endangered bird is endemic to the Caribbean region, specifically found only within the island of Hispaniola, divided into the countries of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The name "golden swallow" aptly describes its unique appearance, as it displays vibrant yellow or golden feathers on its belly, throat, and forehead.
Characterized by a small size with a length of around 12 centimeters, the golden swallow is recognized for its distinct call, which consists of a series of melodious and high-pitched notes. It primarily inhabits the montane broadleaf forests, relying on a diet mainly comprised of insects, including beetles, flies, and ants.
Due to habitat loss caused by deforestation, as well as the introduction of non-native species such as predatory mammals, the golden swallow population has drastically declined. As a result, this avian species is considered critically endangered, with only a few hundred individuals estimated to remain. Various conservation efforts have been implemented to protect the remaining population, including habitat preservation, establishment of protected areas, and control of predators.
The golden swallow is not only significant for its ecological role, but it also holds cultural importance and has become an emblematic symbol of biodiversity conservation within its native lands.
The etymology of the term "golden swallow" can be understood by breaking down the individual words:
1. Golden: This word comes from the Old English word "golde" which referred to the precious metal "gold". The Old English word is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "gulthą" which also meant "gold". Ultimately, the origin of this word can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root word "ǵʰelh₃-" meaning "to shine" or "gleam".
2. Swallow: The word "swallow" refers to a type of small migratory bird found in various parts of the world. The term "swallow" is derived from the Old English word "swalewe" which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "swalwǭ".
