griffon vulture

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Explanation of "Griffon Vulture"

Definition:
The "griffon vulture" is a large bird that belongs to the vulture family. It is found mainly in southern Europe and northern Africa. This bird has pale feathers (plumage) all over its body, with black feathers on its wings.

Usage Instructions:

• Part of Speech: Noun
• Plural Form: Griffon vultures

Example Sentence:

• "We saw a griffon vulture soaring high above the mountains during our hike in Spain."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, you might discuss the griffon vulture in terms of its ecological role, conservation status, or behavior. For example: - "The griffon vulture plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping to clean up dead animals, preventing the spread of disease."

Word Variants:

• Griffon (or Gryphon): In mythology, a griffon is a creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. Although related in name, it is not the same as the griffon vulture.

Different Meanings:

• The term "griffon" can also refer to a breed of dog (like the Brussels Griffon), but in this context, we are specifically talking about the bird.

Synonyms:

• Some synonyms for "vulture" in a broader sense (though not specific to the griffon vulture) include:
  • Scavenger
  • Carrion bird

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "griffon vulture," but the term "vulture" is often used in idiomatic expressions. For example:
  • "Vulture capitalism" refers to the practice of investors buying struggling companies to sell off assets for profit, similar to how vultures feed on dead animals.

Summary:

The griffon vulture is a majestic bird known for its unique appearance and important ecological role.

Academic

Noun

1. large vulture of southern Europe and northern Africa having pale plumage with black wings

Synonyms

• griffon
• Gyps fulvus