Supercilium meaning

Supercilium refers to the area of the forehead and eyebrows, commonly known as the eyebrow ridge.


Supercilium definitions

Word backwards muilicrepus
Part of speech The word "supercilium" is a noun.
Syllabic division su-per-ci-li-um
Plural The plural of supercilium is supercilia.
Total letters 11
Vogais (3) u,e,i
Consonants (6) s,p,r,c,l,m

Supercilium Definition

The supercilium is a prominent feature found on many bird species, particularly those in the passerine family. This is the area above the eye where feathers are often a different color than the rest of the face, creating a distinguishing and visually striking appearance.

Function of the Supercilium

The supercilium serves multiple functions for birds. One of the primary purposes is camouflage. The contrasting colors of the supercilium can help break up the bird's outline and make it harder for predators to spot them. Additionally, the supercilium can play a role in species recognition and mate selection, as it can vary in size, shape, and color among different bird species.

Identification in Birdwatching

Birdwatchers often use the supercilium as a key feature in identifying bird species. The presence, shape, and color of the supercilium can be crucial in distinguishing between similar bird species, especially when other identifying features may not be as visible. This makes the supercilium an important field mark for birdwatchers and ornithologists.

Examples of Supercilium

Some bird species are well-known for their distinct supercilium. For example, the White-throated Sparrow has a bold white supercilium above each eye, which contrasts with its head's dark crown. Another example is the Yellow Warbler, which displays a bright yellow supercilium against its greenish head and back. These examples showcase the wide range of supercilium variations in bird species.

Supercilium is an essential feature for bird identification and plays a crucial role in the survival and behavior of many bird species in the wild.


Supercilium Examples

  1. The bird's bright yellow supercilium contrasted beautifully with its dark plumage.
  2. She raised her supercilium in a gesture of doubt and disbelief.
  3. The makeup artist used a white pencil to highlight her supercilium for a dramatic effect.
  4. His supercilium twitched slightly as he tried to control his anger.
  5. The actress arched her supercilium in a look of haughty disdain.
  6. The doctor examined the patient's red, swollen supercilium for signs of infection.
  7. The man's bushy eyebrows almost obscured his supercilium.
  8. She applied a shimmery highlighter to her supercilium to make her eyes appear larger.
  9. His supercilium furrowed in confusion as he tried to solve the difficult puzzle.
  10. The detective noticed a small scar above the suspect's left supercilium.


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  • Updated 24/06/2024 - 02:01:46