Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'blackbird'

English Word: blackbird

Key Russian Translations:

• дрозд /drɔzd/ - [Formal, used in general and scientific contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in nature-related discussions, literature, and ornithology, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; suitable for learners with basic vocabulary who are expanding into thematic topics like animals and environment.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

дрозд: /drɔzd/

Note on дрозд: The stress falls on the first syllable, and the 'р' is rolled. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects, such as in Southern Russia where the 'о' sound can be more rounded.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The bird known as the blackbird (Turdus merula), a common songbird in Europe.

Translation(s) & Context:

• дрозд - Used in formal ornithological descriptions, literature, and everyday nature observations; appropriate in both written and spoken Russian.

Usage Examples:

• В саду поёт дрозд, наполняя воздух мелодичными трелями.

  In the garden, the blackbird is singing, filling the air with melodious trills.

• Дрозд гнездится в густых кустах, чтобы защитить птенцов от хищников.

  The blackbird nests in dense bushes to protect its chicks from predators.

• Осенью стаи дроздов мигрируют на юг в поисках тёплого климата.

  In autumn, flocks of blackbirds migrate south in search of a warmer climate.

• Местные орнитологи изучают поведение дрозда в национальном парке.

  Local ornithologists study the behavior of the blackbird in the national park.

• Дрозд с чёрным оперением часто путают с другими видами воробьиных.

  The blackbird with its black plumage is often confused with other species of passerines.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Дрозд" is a masculine noun in the third declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The plural forms are used when referring to multiple blackbirds, as in groups or species discussions. There are no irregular inflections for this word.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • черный дрозд (more specific, referring to the Eurasian blackbird; used in precise scientific contexts)
  • обыкновенный дрозд (common blackbird; emphasizes commonality in everyday language)
• Antonyms: Not applicable, as this is a specific noun for a bird and does not have direct opposites. However, contrasting terms like "хищная птица" (predatory bird) could be considered in broader contexts.

Related Phrases:

• Пение дрозда - The song of the blackbird; often used in poetry or descriptions of nature sounds.
• Гнездо дрозда - The nest of the blackbird; refers to its habitat in wildlife discussions.
• Миграция дроздов - Migration of blackbirds; common in seasonal or environmental contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Дрозд" directly corresponds to "blackbird" in English, particularly the Eurasian species, but it can encompass similar thrush-like birds in broader Russian usage. It is neutral in tone and suitable for both formal (e.g., scientific papers) and informal (e.g., casual conversations about birds). When choosing between translations like "дрозд" and "черный дрозд," opt for the latter in precise ornithological contexts to avoid ambiguity. Grammatically, remember that as a masculine noun, it requires appropriate adjective agreements (e.g., "большой дрозд" for "big blackbird"). Be cautious with regional variations; in some areas, it might refer to related species.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "дрозд" interchangeably with "воробей" (sparrow), assuming all small birds are the same. Correct usage: "Воробей" refers to sparrows, while "дрозд" is specific to thrushes. Example of error: "В саду поёт воробей" (incorrect if meaning blackbird). Correct: "В саду поёт дрозд." Explanation: This confusion arises from visual similarities, but accurate identification is key in language learning.

• Error: Incorrect inflection, such as using the nominative in all cases (e.g., "Я видел дрозд" instead of "Я видел дрозда" in accusative). Correct: Always apply proper case endings based on sentence structure. Explanation: Russian nouns require case agreement, which English learners often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the blackbird (дрозд) is often romanticized in folklore and literature as a symbol of spring and renewal. For instance, in poems by Alexander Pushkin, the bird's song represents the beauty of nature and the arrival of warmer seasons. This cultural connotation can add depth to its usage in artistic contexts, distinguishing it from purely scientific references.

Related Concepts:

• воробей (sparrow)
• ласточка (swallow)
• орнитология (ornithology)
• миграция птиц (bird migration)