names

Lovers
ROGER LEDERER & CAROL BURR
Latin
for
Bird
Lovers
Latin
for
Bird
Lovers
Over 3,000 bird names explored and explained

ROGER LEDERER & CAROL BURR

Timber Press
PORTLAND • LONDON
First Published in the United States and United Kingdom
2014 by Timber Press, Inc.

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Copyright © 2014 by Quid Publishing. All rights reserved.

Conceived, designed, and produced by Quid Publishing

Printed and bound in China by 1010 Printing Group Limited
Page design by Lindsey Johns

ISBN 13:978-1-60469-546-5

Catalog records for this book are available from the Library
of Congress and the British Library.

4
To the individuals and organizations that help us to

understand and appreciate birds and their unique

contribution to a sustainable world

 Contents
Preface 8
How to Use This Book 9
A Short History of Binomials 10
Latin for Bird Lovers 12
Dohrn's Thrush-Babbler (p. 107)
An Introduction to the A-Z Listings 15

T H E A -Z L I S T I N G S OF L A T I N B I R D N A M E S
A from Aalge to A y thy a 16
B from Bacchus to Buthraupis 29
C from Cabanisi to Cyrtonyx 39
D from D actylatra to D um etia 56
E from E atoni to Exustus 63
F from Fabalis to Fuscus 71
G fro m Gabela to Gyps 83
H from H aastii to H ypoxantha 96
I from Ianthinogaster to Ixos 109
J from Jabiru to Jynx 116
K from Kaem pferi to Kupeornis 118
Buteo solitarius, L from Labradorius to Lyrurus 122
Hawaiian Hawk (p. 163) M from M acgillivrayi to M yzornis 134
N from N aevius to Nystalus 148
Jynx ruficollis,
O from Oatesi to Oxyura 156
Red-throated W ryneck (p. I 17)
P from Pachycare to Pyrrhura 164
Q from Q uadragintus to Q uoyi 177
R fro m Rabori to Rynchops 180
S fro m Sabini to Syrmaticus 187
T fro m Tabuensis to Tyto 200
U from U ltim a to Ustulatus 207
V fro m Validirostris to Vultur 210
w from Wagleri to Woodfordi 213
X from Xanthocephalus to Xiphorhynchus 214
Y from Yarrellii to Yunnanensis 215
Z from Zam besiae to Zosterops 218
GENUS PROFILES
Amazona 23 John Gould
1804--188 i (p. 20)
Anas 24
Apteryx 27
Cinnyris 51
Columba 52
Corvus 54
FAMOUS BIRDERS
Erithacus 67
Falco 72 John Gould 20
Gavia 85 David Lambert Lack 46
Halcyon 97 Christian Jouanin 76
Haliaeetus 98 Phoebe Snetsinger 94
Lanius 123 Phillip Clancey 104
Melanerpes 139 James Bond 114
Meleagris 140 Louis Agassiz Fuertes 132
Otus 161 Konrad Lorenz 154
Passer 166 Alexander F. Skutch 178
Phoenicopterus 170 Margaret Morse Nice 198
Turdus 206 Alexander Wilson 216
Vanellus 211
Zosterops 219
BIRD THE ME S
A vian A d a p ta tio n s 34
Calypte anna, B ird B eaks 58
Anna’s Hummingbird (p. 25) T h e C o lo r o f B irds 88
F eath ers 120
B ird S o n g s a n d C alls 146
C o m m o n N am es 162
M ig ra tio n 190
F o rag in g 208

G lossary 220
B ib lio g rap h y 222
C re d its a n d A ck n o w le d g m e n ts 223
 Preface
F
or most birdwatchers, a good field guide— Spizella. The scientific name for the American Tree
The Birds of Western North America, The Birds Sparrow, Spizella arborea, shows that it is more closely
of Europe, The Birds of Australia, the birds of related to Spizella passerina, the Chipping Sparrow,
wherever—is sufficient to identify birds in the field. than it is to Chondestes grammacus, the Lark Sparrow,
These guides all come in a similar format: Next to the even though they are all called sparrows.
illustration of the species is its common name, typically Most scientific names are at least partly descrip­
in larger, bold type (e.g. Desert Lark), while the tive, such as Corvus brachyrhynchos, the American
italicized scientific name (Ammomanes deserti) is Crow, meaning a short-beaked crow {brachy, short,
smaller and lighter. Because birders are generally not rhynchos, beak, corvus, crow). Aix galericulata comes
interested in the taxonomic or evolutionary relation­ from Aix, duck,galer, cap, and cul-, little, as in the
ships of birds, scientific names seem to be of litde use. Mandarin Duck, with a swept-back head crest. Some
While most diving ducks have the genus name birds were named to honor an influential person such
Aythya and most dabbling ducks Anas, bird lovers tend as an ornithologist, naturalist, politician, or royalty, as
to refer to them as dabblers and divers. Although inEstrilda kandti, Kandts Waxbill, after Richard
birdwatchers call all large predatory birds raptors, it is Kandt, physician and explorer, and from the German
just a handy group name for eagles, hawks, and owls. Wellenastrild, Waxbill. Other names may describe the
Empidonax flycatchers that are difficult to identify are place the bird was first found, its color, or behavior.
sometimes called “empees,” a shortened scientific name Occasionally, it includes the name of a mythical god,
that has become a common name. goddess, or creature. You may find that a litde bit of
Scientific names, binomials, are used by scientists to research into scientific names opens up a whole new
define the exact evolutionary relationships of birds. way of looking at and understanding birds.
Using Greco-Latin terms, these names are standardized Latin for Bird Lovers is not only about the origin
across the world and are mosdy descriptive. If the of scientific names. We also try to explain a litde about
birdwatcher takes the time to look at these names, they how and why birds are named and occasionally add
will begin to notice interesting patterns and discover tidbits of information about the birds themselves.
relationships between birds they may not have known The book can be picked up and read or referred to in
about before. For example, there are several genera any order in bits and pieces, like a typical dictionary
(plural of genus) of New World sparrows, such as or encyclopedia.

“But true birders, who used to be called bird-watchers, occupy, with other
amateur naturalists, a small bywater of the scientific mind in which the naming of things
is an overriding hunger It might better be called bird-naming than bird-watching.
The more names, the more finely the distinctions are drawn, the better”
—James Gorman, New York Times, Oct 22, 2002

8
 How t o Use This Book
ALPHABETICAL LISTINGS G E N U S P R O F I L E PAGES
Scientific terms appear alphabetically.. Dotted throughout the book, feature
throughout for easy reference. For a more pages examine the interesting characteristics
detailed explanation, see the Introduction o f a particular genus of birds.
to the A -Z Listings on p. 15.

A guide to pronunciation
is provided and capital
letters indicate where the
The scientific term. emphasis should fall.

i
AalgtA L -je e
Type of auk, from the Darhsh, as in U ha aalge,
the Common Murre or G uillemot

An examble of a bird name that - —

features the Latin term is given, along
with the bird's common name.

LATIN IN A C T I O N
Feature boxes connect the history
o f scientific names to individual birds
or groups of birds.

FAMOUS BIRDERS BIRD THEMES

Read the stories o f men and women In these pages some o f the fascinating
whose enthusiasm for bird-watching has physical attributes and behaviors o f birds
led them around the world, and whose are looked at in depth, highlighting any
observations have contributed to our correlation between these aspects and
understanding of our feathered friends. their scientific names.
 A Sh o r t H i s t o r y
of B i n o m i a l s
A ‘binomial” is a double name. It is part of a
formal system of taxonomy for naming all living
means “coin”) Species is often used interchangeably
with the scientific name. Classifications change
things. Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish physician, botanist, over time as new information develops, but it is
and zoologist of the eighteenth century, is considered a slow and thorough process so the classification
the father of taxonomy and the system of binomial scheme is quite stable.
nomenclature, in which his name is rendered A species is generally defined as a group of
Carolus linnaeus. organisms that can interbreed and produce viable
All living organisms are classified according offspring. Anasplatyrhynchos, the Mallard, cannot
to their evolutionary relationships and through interbreed with Melanerpes cactorum, the White-
the classification scheme they are given an fronted Woodpecker, or even with the more closely
individual binomial or scientific name that consists of related Anas strepera, the Gadwall. The species
a genus and species. Human beings, for example, concept continues to evolve with new genetic
are Homo sapiens, meaning they belong to the genus tools, and there are minor exceptions where
Homo, along with other now extinct species such different species do hybridize, but the system
as Homo habilis and Homo erectus, but are their own continues to be useful.
specific group, sapiens. In usage, the genus, in this case When Linnaeus created the binomial
Homo, is always capitalized and either underlined or system, “New” Latin was used in Western Europe
italicized. The species name or specific epithet, as the common language of science, and scientific
sapiens, is either underlined or italicized, but never names were in Latin or Greek. Scientific naming
capitalized. And the word “species,” as used in biology, is governed by international codes, such as the Inter­
is both singular and plural. (“Specie” is incorrect as it national Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN)
for animals, and the International Code of Nomen­
clature (ICN) for algae, fungi, and plants.
You might see three names, a trinomial, as in the
Carl Linnaeus Red-shouldered Hawk, Buteo lineatus, which has five
(1707-1778)
subspecies, B. I. lineatus, B. I. elegans, B. 1. alleni,
Linnaeus's classification scheme B. I. extimis, and B. 1. texanus. In the hierarchy of
had an enormous effect on the taxonomy, only one name below the binomial, a
naming of organisms, now strictly “subspecies,” is allowed to denote different color
regulated by international rules.
forms or geographic races of a particular species.
Hypothetically, all these subspecies can interbreed,
but it may not happen if their ranges do not overlap.
So whilst subspecies is a somewhat slippery concept,
it is useful in delineating populations with
distinguishing characteristics.
 A S H O R T H I S T O R Y OF B I N O M I A L S

Thus, binomial nomenclature provides a global

identification of particular bird species and defines
their relationships to other birds. DNA studies over
the past couple of decades are refining those relation­
ships and name changes will continue to occur.

Where do the names come from?

• Latin and Greek and occasionally other languages, as
in Anas platyrhynchos, which comes from the Latin
Anas, duck, and from the Greekplaty, flat, and
rhynchos, bill. Gavia immer is the Great Northern
Loon or Diver, Gavia deriving from Latin, meaning
ravenous sea bird, and immer, Swedish for ember-
goose, referring to the dark color of the bird.
• Names of people, often ornithologists or naturalists, On the whole, the scientific—binomial—names
and, in practice, names of people other than the of birds are descriptive in one way or another. More
person doing the naming. The White-eared Bronze importantly, they can definitively designate each
Cuckoo, Chrysococcyx meyerii, was named after Adolf particular species of bird in one language that is
Meyer, a German anthropologist and ornithologist of officially recognized around the world.
the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. One can only imagine the confusion if birds
• Names of places, as in Tangarajlorida, the were identified only by their common names. Instead of
Emerald Tanager. Anas platyrhynchos all over the northern hemisphere,
• Local names, like Hoopoe, an onomatopoetic we’d have Mallard, Canard Colvert, Anade Real,
name based on the bird’s call. These common Stokente, Wilde End, Germano Reale, Stokkand,
names become part of the scientific name, in this Ma-gamo, Pato-real, and others. Clearly unworkable.
case, the Greek epops, in Upupa epops. So scientific names are valuable, although common
• Descriptions of the bird’s color, shape, or behavior names are used most often by birdwatchers.
such as Bicinctus, twice encircled, or banded, But since common bird names have caused
as in Treron bicinctus, the Orange-breasted confusion in the past, the American Ornithologists’
Green Pigeon. The Red-headed Myzomela Union and British Ornithologists’ Union have made
or Honeyeater, Myzomela erythrocephala, is from some common English names for American and
the Greek, muzao, suck in; meli, honey, Latin, British birds official.
erythro, red, and cephala, head. As in all science, continually gathered new
• Odd appellations, such as Aerodramusfuciphagus, information changes taxonomic relationships, and the
fromfuci, seaweed, and phagus, eater of, as in the scientific and common names along with them. So,
Edible-nest Swiftlet. The species name derives from although we tried to include the most current and
a Chinese story of the birds swooping down into the accurate scientific names, based on the International
ocean to collect material for their nests, which are Ornithologists’ Union’s IOC World Bird List, there is
made almost exclusively of saliva, not seaweed. no guarantee that they will be accurate tomorrow.
If
 Latin for
B ird L overs
As in every scientific discipline and related tion, as is “furcula” to those banding (or ringing)
JL J l endeavors, words derived from the Latin form birds and estimating fat stores on the birds. “Pelagic”
the core language of the discipline, although is a term not known to most people but often used
derivations from Greek and shared Indo-European by ocean-going birders.
roots figure strongly as well. Ornithology and We hope this book will open your mind to
bird-watching are perfect examples. The scientific some scientific and everyday terms that have derived
names of birds define the relationships among some from the Latin and make your bird-watching
10,000 species and are typically descriptive. The activities all the more fascinating.
genus and species name may describe the birds’ color, Biological classification is based on the work
pattern, size, or parts of the body; the name of an of Carl Linnaeus, who grouped species on the basis
ornithologist or other person; where it is found; its of shared physical characteristics. Darwin’s classifica­
behavior; or some characteristic that may not make tions based on evolutionary descent increased the
sense now but did in the eye of the person who consistency of classification. Now, phylogenetic
named it. In any case, it is often interesting. For groupings created by taxonomy and DNA data in
example, Falco mexicanus, the scientific name of the addition to morphology are used. Interestingly,
Prairie Falcon, obviously means a falcon from these new methods have corroborated much of the
Mexico. Less obvious, perhaps, is Anas acuta, the anatomical and morphological classifications.
Northern Pintail, whose scientific name means “sharp The major taxonomical classifications are class,
duck,” referring to the male bird’s tail. order, family, genus, and species. Birds belong to the
Bird enthusiasts don’t often pay much attention Class Aves and are grouped into 27 orders, all of
to scientific names, but bird feather anatomy such as which end in -iformes, such as Passeriformes
“superciliary” and “auricular” are crucial to identifica­ (songbirds) and Gaviiformes (loons or divers).
Each order contains one or more family, ending in
-idae, such as Paridae (titmice). The focus of this
book is on the genus and species, the most specific
groupings. The genus is always capitalized
and italicized; the species is always
lower case and italicized; e.g. Passer
domesticus, the House Sparrow. While
taxonomists in all biological fields
disagree to some degree about classifica­
tions schemes, those in ornithology
generally agree.
Anas acuta,
Northern Pintail (p. 17)

12
 L A T I N F O R B I R D I. O V E R S

For example, Audubon named a wren after

English ornithologist Thomas Bewick. This bird’s
common English name is Bewick’s Wren, but
the Latin name is Thryomanes bewickii (Greek,
tbruon, reed, and manes, very fond of) to describe
the preferred habitat of the bird. Bewick’s name
becomes Bewickii, -ii to show possession, giving us
Gavia immer,
a pronunciation of be-WIK-ee-eye. While the
Great Northern Loon o r Diver (p. 85) accent is generally put where it exists in the
language of the name, the Latin possessive form
Because of the loon’s eerie call, the name has come to mean sometimes shifts that accent and accounts for
crazy and is mistakenly associated with our lunar satellite.
some of the variations in pronunciation between
regions and countries.
Pronunciation of the names in this book is
based on New Latin, the form that developed after
Passer ammodendri,
the Renaissance (around 1500) for scientific Saxaul Sparrow (p. 166)
nomenclature, particularly Greco-Latin taxonomic
nomenclature of biology. The songbirds, order Passeriformes, comprise the largest
taxonomic group o f birds, containing about 52 percent of
Unlike classical Latin, New Latin varies from
all bird species.
region to region, country to country, and there is no
international agreement about how scientific names
should be pronounced. Since this book is in English,
we are using that language to shape our pronuncia­
tions. Our main goal is to give you a workable
pronunciation that is true to the etymology of the
term—both Greek and Latin. In addition, we are using
English pronunciations of places to determine the best
management of vowels, consonants, and accents.
Beyond the regional differences in the pronun­
ciation of scientific names, New Latin differs from
classical Latin in its handling of vowels, consonants,
and accents. For example, there is no th- sound in
classical Latin; it is, however, generally used in New
Latin but only in its unvoiced form, as in theater.
The only exception to this rule is in proper names,
such as a person’s name (Thomas) or a place name
(River Thames). Many birds are named after people,
usually not the person doing the naming. These
names are “Latinized” to create the binomial.
13
Hylonympha macrocerca,
Scissor-tailed Hummingbird (p. 108)
 An In tr o d u ctio n
t o t h e A -Z L i s t i n g s
his book is intended to be an interesting and For simplicity, not all the alternative endings, genders,
T enjoyable jaunt into the world of scientific bird
names. It is not definitive. That would take a much
or cases of each term are listed, as the definitions of
words like leptoptila and leptotilos are essentially
bigger book and a much greater interest in the identical (lepto, thin, slender, andptilo, wing).
derivation of names. The Helm Dictionary of The language of derivation of the scientific name
Scientific Bird Names by James Jobling is the closest is noted if it is other than Latin. If no language is
to a definitive source of bird names (about 20,000 of noted, it is from the Latin. It is worth noting again
them on 432 pages) that we have found; we used the that Latin (including Classical, Modern, Scientific,
International Ornithologists’ Union’s IOC World Bird Late, Medieval, Renaissance) and Greek evolved
List as the final arbiter on the accuracy of common from shared Indo-European roots, producing
and scientific bird names. significant overlap in etymology. Therefore,
Here follows, in alphabetical order, over 3,000 as often as possible, we have used the Latin
scientific names of birds, either a genus or species. spellings and pronunciations because they
The term appears first, then a guide to the pronuncia­ comprise the main basis for New (scientific)
tion from New or Scientific Latin, followed by the Latin. We have also chosen the most applicable
definition of the term, or its parts. An example of a explanation to elucidate the naming of birds.
scientific name of which the word is a part is also
given. For example;

Caeruleirostris see-roo-lee-ey e-RO SS-tris

Caerul, blue, and rostris, bill or beak, as in Loxops
caeruleirostris, the Akeaee, a honeycreeper with a blue bill

In this example, the words are Latin derived and the

two parts of caeruleirostris are defined. As added
clarification, as the common name is not helpful, it is
noted as a honeycreeper with a blue bill. Most of the
scientific names have clear meanings, although why
they were chosen for a particular bird may sometimes
not be clear. In the interest of space, explanations of
why a bird was given a particular scientific name are
provided only where we think the reader’s curiosity Loxops caeruleirostris
might be piqued. Akekee, a honeycreeper (p. 39)

15
AALGE

A Abroscopus a-bro-SKO-pus
Greek, abro, delicate, dainty, and skopus, sentry, guard or goal,
as in Abroscopus superciliaris, the Yellow-bellied Warbler

Aalge A L-jee Aburria a-BUR-ree-<i

Type of auk, from the Danish, as in Uria aalge, the Common From abhorrere, to abhor, not inclined to, bored, as in Aburria
Murre or Guillemot aburri, the Wattled Guan; applied to the bird for its habit of
resting for the better part of a day
Abbotti AB-bot-tye
After William Louis Abbott, American doctor and naturalist, Abyssinicus, -a a-bis-siN K -us/a
as in Papasula abbotti, Abbott’s Booby After East Africa, specifically Abyssinia, now Ethiopia, as in
Asio abyssinicus, the Abyssinian, or African Long-eared, Owl
Abeillei a-BEL-eye
After M. Abeille, French collector and naturalist, as in Icterus Acadicus a-K A D -ih-kus
abeillei, the Black-backed Oriole After Acadia, a region in Canada, as in Aegolius (owl) acadicus,
the Northern Saw-whet Owl
Aberrans A B-ber-ranz
Unusual, different, as in Cisticola aberrans, the Lazy Cisticola; Acanthagenys a-kan-tha-JE N -is
denotes use of an unusual habitat for this group of birds Greek, akanthos, from ake, point, thorn, andgenys, jaw, as in
Acanthagenys rufogularis, the Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater
Aberti A L-bert-eye
After American ornithologist James William Abert, as in Acanthis a-K A N -this
Melozone aberti, Abert s Towhee Greek, akanthos, from ake, point, thorn; Zeus and Apollo changed
Acanthus into a finch after Acanthus was killed by his father s
Abnormis ab-N O R -m is horse, as in Acanthisflammea (red flag), the Common Redpoll
Ab, away, and normis, usual; so, abnormal, as in Sosia abnormis,
a very small woodpecker, the Rufous Piculet Acanthiza a-kan-T H Y-za
Greek, akanthos, from ake, point, thorn, and zo, to live, as in
Acanthiza inomata, the Western Thornhill

Acanthorhynchus a-kan-tho-R IN K -us

Greek, akanthos, from ake, point, thorn, and Latin, rhynchus, bill,
as in Acanthorhynchus superciliosus, the Western Spinebill

Acanthornis a-kan-TH O R -nis

Greek, akanthos, from ake, point, thorn, and omis, bird, as in
Acanthornis magna, the Scrubtit

Accipiter ak-SIP-ib-ter
To take, grasp, receive. A group of predatory birds, forest dwelling
and diurnal, such as the Accipitergentilis, Northern Goshawk

Aceros h-ser-os
Greek, a, without, and ceros, horn, as in Aceros corrugatus,
the Wrinkled Hornbill

Acridotheres a-kri-do-TH ER-eez

Greek, akridis, locust, and therao, hunt, as in Acridotheres tristis,
the Common Myna
 AEGYP1US

Acrobatornis a-kro-ba-TO R-nis

Greek, acrobat, gymnastic performer, and omis, bird, as in
Acrobatornisfonsecai (hunter), the Pink-legged Graveteiro,
an acrobatic bird that can hang upside down while foraging

Acrocephalus a-kro-se-FAL-us
Aero, acrobatic and cephala, head, as in Acrocephalus agricola,
the Paddyfield Warbler

Actenoides ak-ten-O Y-deez

Greek, aktis, ray or beam, and oides, resembling, as in Actenoides
concretus, the Rufous-collared Kingfisher

Actinodura ak-tin-o-D O O -ra

Greek, aktis, ray or beam, and oura, tail, as in Actinodura egertoni,
the Rusty-fronted Barwing, with a pointed tail

ActitiS ak-TY-tis
Greek, coast dweller, as in Actitis macularius,
the Spotted Sandpiper

Actophilornis ak-to-fil-O R -nis

Greek, aktis, ray or beam,philos, like or love, and omis, bird, as in Actenoides concretus,
Actophilornis africanus, the African Jacana; means sun-loving bird Rufous-collared Kingfisher

Acuminata a-koo-m in-AH -ta

Sharp or tapering, as in Calidris acuminata, the Sharp-tailed Adsimilis a d -s m -u -is
Sandpiper Similar, close, as in Dicrurus adsimilis, the Fork-tailed Drongo; the
namer thought the drongo looked like a common bird of the UK
Acuta A -K O O -ta
Sharp, as in Anas acuta, to describe the pointed tail of the Aechmophorus ek-mo-FOR-us
Northern Pintail Greek, aikhme, spear, andphero, bearing, as in Aechmophorus
occidentalis, the Western Grebe; named for its spear-like bill
Acutipennis a-koo-tih-PEN -nis
Acuta, sharp, and penna, feather, as in Chordeiles acutipennis, Aedon EE-don
the Lesser Nighthawk In Greek mythology, after Aedon, wife of Zethus, who was turned
into a bird by Zeus, as in Troglodytes aedon, the House Wren
Adelberti a-D EL-bert-eye
After Adelbert Fenyes de Csakaly, a noted physician, Aegithalos «•._,» -t h a l -os
entomologist, and ornithologist, as in Chalcomitra adelberti, Greek for tit, a small bird, as in Aegithalosfuliginosis, the Sooty
the Buff-throated Sunbird Bush tit; tit from Norwegian titr, small bird

Adorabilis a-do-RA-bil-is Aegotheles ee-go-TH EL-eez

Adoro, revere, honor, worship, adore, as in Lophomis adorabilis, Greek, aego, goat, and theles, suck, suckle, as in Aegotheles
the White-crested Coquette insignis, the Feline Owlet-nightjar; members of this family
are called “goatsuckers”
AdscitUS ad-SH E -tus
Adopt, approve, as in Platycercus adscitus, the Pale-headed Rosella. Aegypius ee-JIP-pee-us
Named and renamed in the late 1700s, the etymology of the Greek, aigupios, vulture, as in Aegypius monachus, the Cinereous
species name is unknown or Black Vulture

17
AENEUS

Aeneus ee-N EE -us Aglaiae a-G LAY-ee

Brassy or gold in color, as in Dicrurus aeneus, the Bronzed Drongo Agali, brilliant, splendid, as in Pachyramphus aglaiae, the
Rose-throated Becard
Aenigma ee-N IG -m a
Riddle, as in Sapayoa aenigma, the Sapayoa Agricola a -G R i-ko -u
Ager, field, and cola, inhabitant, as in Acrocephalus agricola,
Aepypodius ee-pi-PO-dee-us the Paddyfield Warbler
Greek, aipus, tall, high, andpous, foot, as in Aepypodius bruijnii,
the Waigeo Brushturkey Agriornis ah-gree-OR-nis
Agri, agriculture, and Greek, omis, bird, as in Agriornis
Aequatorialis ee-kwa -tor-ee-AL-is micropterus, the Gray-bellied Shrike-Tyrant
Equatorial, as in Momotus aequatorialis, the Andean Motmot
Ailuroedus eye-loo-ROY-dus
Aerodramus eh-ro-D RA-m us Greek, ailur, cat, and oidos, singing, as in Ailuroedus melanotis,
Greek, aer, air, and dram, to run, as in Aerodramus elaphrus, the Spotted Catbird
the Seychelles Swiftlet
Aimophila eye-mo-FIL-a
Aestiva, -alis es-TEE-va/es-tee-VAL-is Greek, aimos, thicket, andphilos, to like, as in Aimophila ruficeps,
Summer, as in Peucaea aestivalis, Bachman s Sparrow and the Rufous-crowned Sparrow
Amazona aestiva, the Turquoise-fronted Amazon
Aix E Y K S
Aethereus ee-THER-ee-us Greek, waterfowl, as in A ix sponsa, the Wood Duck
Greek, aitherios, ethereal, as in Phaethon aethereus, the
Red-billed Tropicbird Aj cLJcl a-JA-ja
Finnish, to drive, ride, or chase, as in Platalea ajaja,
Afer A H -fer the Roseate Spoonbill (see box)
Used by ancient Romans to refer to what is now Tunisia, as in
Euplectes afer, the Yellow-crowned Bishop
Aix sponsa,
Affinis af-FIN-is
Affinity, similarity, as in Aythya affinis, the Lesser Scaup, which is
closely related and virtually identical to the Greater Scaup, Aythya
marila. Affinis is the specific epithet of dozens of bird species

Agapornis a-ga-POR-nis
Greek, agape, love or affection, and omis, bird, as in Agapornis
fischeri, Fischer s Lovebird

Agelaioides a-jel-eye-OY-deez
Greek, agelaius, gregarious, and oides, resembling, as in
Agelaioides badius, the Baywing

Agelaius a-je-LE-us
Greek, gregarious, as in Agelaius tricolor, the Tricolored Blackbird,
a colonial nesting species that also winters in large flocks

AgiliS a-JIL-is
Agile, nimble, quick, as in Oporomis agilis, the
Connecticut Warbler

18
 ALBIPECTUS

Alauda a-LA W -da

Celtic, great song, as in Alauda arvensis, the Eurasian Skylark, L A T I N I N A C T I O N
noted for its sustained singing while on the wing

Alba, -i, “ O A L-ba/beye/bo The Roseate Spoonbill, Platalea ajaja, derives its
scientific name from its feeding habits. It is found
White, as in Motacilla alba, the White or Pied Wagtail
in shallow coastal waters of the southeastern US,
Aibatrus ai-B A T-rUs where it walks with its spoon-shaped bill in the
Probably derived from Portuguese alcatraz, pelican, gha, a kind water and mud, driving prey in front of it, snatching
of sea eagle, as in Phoebastria aibatrus, the Short-tailed Albatross frogs, crabs, fish, worms, crayfish, and other such
creatures. In the process of swallowing their prey,
Albellus al-BEL-lus the birds also ingest microorganisms with reddish
Diminutive of alba, as in Mergellus albellus, the Smew, pigments that give the birds their pink color.This
a small duck releated to the mergansers behavior and resulting coloring resembles that of
Alberti AL-bert-eye
the flamingos.Young nestling spoonbills, fed by
their parents via regurgitation, have ordinary­
After Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, as in
Crax alberti, the Blue-billed Curassow shaped bills that gradually become spoon-shaped
over a period of several months.
Albescens AL-bes-sens
Albus, white and -escens, becoming, as in Calendulauda albescens,
the Karoo Lark Platalea ajaja,

Albicapillus, -a a l-bi-ka-P IL -lm /a

Albus, white, and capillus, hair, as in Lamprotomis albicapillus,
the White-crowned Starling

AlbicaudatUS, -a al-bi-kaw -D A-tus/ta

Albus, white, and cauda, tail of an animal, as in Geranoaetus
albicaudatus, the White-tailed Hawk

Aibicep S AL-bi-seps
Albus, white, and ceps, head, as in Vanellus albiceps,
the White-crowned Lapwing

Albicilla al-bi-SIL -la Albifrons A L -b i-fro nz

Albus, white, and cilia, tail, as in Haliaeetus albicilla, Albus, white, andfrons, forehead, as in Amazona albifrons,
the White-tailed Eagle the White-fronted Amazon

A l b k o l l i s al-bi-KO L-lis Aibigula al-bi-G O O -la

Albus, white, and collis, throat or collar, as in Corvus albicollis, Albus, white, and gula, gullet as in Buteo aibigula,
the White-necked Raven the White-throated Hawk

Albidinucha ai-bi-di-Noo-ka Albilatera uI- u - u - t e r

Albus, white, idus, having the nature of, and nucha, nape, as in Albus, white, and latera, side, as in Diglossa albilatera,
Lorius albidinucha, the White-naped Lory the White-sided Flowerpiercer

Albifacies al-bi-FACE-eez Albipectus al-bi-PEK-tus

Albus, white, andfacies, face, as in Geotrygon albifacies, Albus, white, and pectus, chest, as in Pyrrhura albipectus,
the White-faced Quail-Dove the White-breasted Parakeet

19
 J ohn G ould
( 1804- 1881)
ohn Gould was born in Dorset, England. His As curator, Gould had access to all the specimens
J father, a gardener at Windsor Castle, taught him
the skills of his trade and Gould eventually secured a
given to, or collected for, the society. In 1830 he
received a collection of birds from the Himalayas,
position as a gardener at Ripley Castle in Yorkshire. many of which were new to Europe, and turned it
He received little formal education but eventually into a book, A Century of Birdsfrom the Himalaya
came to be considered the Father of Australian Mountains, with his new wife Elizabeth doing many
Ornithology. He was as well known in Europe as of the illustrations. Over the next few years Gould
Audubon was in America. wrote four bird books, one a five-volume Birds of
Gould also developed skills as a taxidermist and Europe, with beautiful lithographs by Edward Lear.
established a taxidermy business in London which From the age of 20 to 26, Lear created 80 bird
stood him in good stead as he built his career as an portraits for Gould. Many people consider them to
ornithologist. His contacts with scientists and be the world’s finest ornithological illustrations of
natural historians led to his obtaining a position as the time. Unfortunately, they were mixed in Gould’s
the first curator and preserver of the Zoological books with less accomplished work by other artists.
Society museum in London. In 1837 Gould met Charles Darwin. Darwin
had just returned from the Galapagos and his bird
specimens were given to Gould to identify. He
realized that the birds Darwin thought were separate
species were actually varieties of the same species
adapted to the conditions on individual islands.
Gould’s analysis led to an important step in Darwin’s
thinking on what became his theory of evolution by
natural selection. Gould’s work on the birds was
included in Zoology of the Voyage oj the H.M.S.
Beagle, and published between 1838 and 1842
with Darwin as editor.
In 1838 Gould and his wife sailed to Australia,
wanting to be the first to compile a book on the
avifauna of the country. Returning to England in

Dendrocitta vagabunda,
Rufous Treepie

The Rufous Treepie, like other members of the

crow family Corvidae, is omnivorous and has
adapted to a variety of habitats.
 ] OH N GOULD

1840, Gould produced The Birds Campylopterus largipennis,

of Australia, consisting of 600 Gray-breasted Sabrewing
illustrations in seven volumes and
describing over 300 new bird For much of his professional
species. After his wife died in career Gould was fascinated
childbirth in 1841, Gould went by hummingbirds and managed
on to publish A Monograph of the to accumulate a collection of
Trochilidae or Humming Birds 320 species. In 1851 he displayed
(1849-61), Use Mammals of this collection at the Great
Australia (1845-63), Handbook Exhibition in London, a precursor
to the Birds of Australia (1865), to World’s Fairs. In spite of his
The Birds of Asia (1850-83), The Birds of Great fascination he had never observed a live humming­
Britain (1862-73), and The Birds of New Guinea bird until he traveled to the US in 1857 and saw a
and the Adjacent Papuan Islands (1875-88). Ruby-throated Hummingbird in Bartram’s Gardens
He was certainly the most prolific ornithological in Philadelphia. He captured a few and tried to
author of his time, producing 41 publications on bring them back alive to England, but needing
birds, containing almost 3,000 illustrations created special care, they lasted only a few weeks.
by his wife and others. He was also a superb painter, In 1909 the Gould League of Bird Lovers
creating prints that were in great demand. was founded in Victoria, Australia, to promote
Some researchers think that Gould himself did environmental education; today it continues
the original sketches for all the plates and that to be very active throughout the country. In 1976
Elizabeth Gould, Edward Lear, and others did the the Australian Post honored him with a postage
hand coloring and lithography. While Gould was stamp bearing his portrait. In 2009, a series of
not the illustrator of his books, he was skilled in birds from his Birds of Australia was featured
producing quick sketches of dead birds in the in another set of stamps. Also, at least two
field from which the artists created finished dozen birds have been named after Gould:
pieces. The results were beautiful books Goulds Petrel, Gould’s Bronze Cuckoo,
and works of art in every detail. For Gould’s Frogmouth, Gould’s Parrotbill,
example, he captured the iridescence of Gould’s Sunbird, and the Gouldian
hummingbirds by applying gold leaf Finch, for example.
under the watercolors.

"Man’s constant companions in every outdoor occupation, cheering him with their presence and their

songs, and often affording him a principal means of subsistence, it is little wonder that the habits and

instincts of birds should be a favourite one with most persons...”

John Gould, The Birds of Great Britain (1873)

21
ALBIPENNIS

Albipennis ai-n-PEN-nu Alexandrae a-lex-AN -dree

Albus, white, and pennis, tail or quill, as in Petrophassa albipennis, After Alexandra of Denmark, Queen of the United Kingdom and
the White-quilled Rock Pigeon Empress of India and the wife of King Edward VII, as in Polytelis
alexandrae, Princess Parrot
Albogu laris al-bo-goo-LAR-is
Albus, white, and gula, throat, as in Phalcoboenus albogularis, Alexandrinus a-lek-zan-D RY-nu
the White-throated Caracara After Alexandria (Egypt), as in Charadrius alexandrinus,
the Kentish Plover
Albolarvatus al-bo-lar-VA-tus
Albus, white, and larvare, bewitch/enchant, as in Picoides Alle A L -le
albolarvatus, the White-headed Woodpecker; of 22 species of Norse, small, as in Alle alle, the Litde Auk
woodpeckers in North America, this is the only one with a white
head, making it particularly unusual and captivating I Allenia A L-len-ee-a
After Joel Allen, American ornithologist, as in Allenia fusca,
Albonotatus al-bo-no-TA-tus the Scaly-breasted Thrasher
Albus, white, and notatus, marked, as in Buteo albonotatus,
the Zone-tailed Hawk Alopex AL-o-pecks
Greek, fox, a cunning person, as in Falco alopex, the Fox Kestrel
Albus A L-bus
White, as in Chionis albus, the Snowy Sheathbill Alopochen al-o-PO -ken
Greek, alopex, fox, and chen, goose, as in Alopochen aegyptiaca,
Alca A L -ka the Egyptian Goose
From Icelandic or Norwegian, auk, as in Alca torda, the Razorbill
Alpestris ai-PEs-t™
A l c e d o al-SEE-doe O f high mountains; the Horned or Shore Larks name Eremophila
Kingfisher, as in Alcedo atthis, the Common Kingfisher. “Kingfisher” alpestris means “love of lonely places in the mountains”
refers to the excellent fishing skills of riparian species
Alphonsionis al-fon-see-OWN-is
Aleadryas ai- ee-a-DRY-as After Alphonse Milne-Edwards, a French physician and ornithologist,
Alea, game, and dryas, wood-nymph, as in Aleadryas ru f nucha, as in Sinosuthora alphonsiana, the Ashy-throated Parrotbill
the Rufous-naped Whistler
Alpina al-P IN E -a
Alectoris a-iek-TO R-is Alpine, as in Calidris alpina, die Dunlin
Greek alektoris, cock, as in Alectoris graeca, Rock Partridge
Altiloquus al-ti-LO W -kw us
Aleuticus a-LO Y-ti-kus Altus, high, and loquus, voice, as in Vireo altiloquus, the
After the Aleutian Islands, as in Onychoprion aleuticus, Black-whiskered Vireo
the Aleutian Tern
Altirostris ai-u-Ross-tm
Altus, tall, deep, and rostris, bill or beak, as in Turdoides altirostris,
the Iraq Babbler

I Amazilia, -zonia a-m a-ZIL-ee-a/a-m a-ZO N -ee-a

After the Amazon region, as in Amazilia lactea, the Sapphire-
spangled Emerald (hummingbird)

Amblyornis am-blee-OR-nis
Greek, amblus, blunt, and omis, bird, as in Amblyornisflavifrons, the
Golden-fronted Bowerbird. Compared with other genera
of Bowerbirds, Ambylomis species are rather dull colored

22
 A m azona
A bout 30 parrot species native to the New World
U. and distributed from the Caribbean to South
America are of the Amazona (am-a-ZONE-a ) genus.
They are well known around the world for their ability
to mimic human voices, to manipulate objects with
their feet, and to adjust to captivity, making them in
demand as domestic pets. There are over 11 million
pet birds in the US, 75 percent of them some kind of
parrot. Because the Amazona species are among the
most popular, there has been a significant decline in
many of these species’ populations, both through the
legal and illegal pet trade. Over 60 percent of parrots
caught in the wild for the pet trade die before they
reach market.
Their desirability is understandable as their
personalities and colors are very appealing, but the
habits of wild parrots are not well known. They are
difficult to catch as they inhabit the canopy of tall Amazona festiva,
trees and frustrate researchers by sitting there for Festive Amazon or Parrot
long periods of time. If they are caught and banded/
ringed, they pry off the band/ring with their kilopascals); this is far more force than it would take
strong beaks. to break your finger!
Parrots typically eat nuts, fruit, nectar, and There are a number of interesting names in the
occasionally insects or other arthropods. Their Amazona genus. A. farinosa (from the Latin farina,
zygodactyl feet (the second and third toes are flour) is called the Mealy Amazon or Parrot because
forward while the first and fourth face its back and nape appear to have been covered with a
rearward) are adapted for grasping layer of flour (meal). The Festive Amazon or Parrot,
food objects and their jaws are made A. festiva, is one of the most festively colored of the
for opening the hardest nuts and genus, although it has a lot of competition.
fruits. The upper jaw is hinged at the skull
and curved downward, allowing it to exert
Amazona violacea,
considerable pressure against the sharp Guadeloupe Parrot
edges of the flat lower jaw. Touch receptors
in the bill allow the bird to manipulate food The Guadaloupe Parrot became
extinct in the late eighteenth century
items to the proper position for being cracked but a description of it indicates that
open. To open a Brazil nut the bill has to the head, neck, and upper thorax
exert 1,400 pounds per square inch (9,653 were violet colored.

23
 A nas
T heof waterfowl
Latin for duck is Anas (AN-as). This genus
encompasses about 45 species in
Shoveler its name, A. clypeata (Latin clypeatus,
shield-bearing), may have over 200 lamellae.
the subfamily Anatinae, known as the dabbling ducks Ducks, from the Old English ducan, to duck or
for their habit of tipping their heads down and their dive, comprise perhaps the most recognizable group
tails up while feeding on the water. These are ducks of birds. Ducks are waterfowl, like geese and swans,
like mallards, wigeons, teals, pintails, and shovelers. but unlike the others, they are sexually dimorphic,
The most well-known of this genus is certainly the the males being much more colorful than the females,
Mallard, A. platyrhynchos (Greek, platys, broad, and and for good reason. On the wintering grounds, the
rhynchos, bill), with its wide, flat bill; Mallards are male, in his showy courtship plumage, attracts a drab
found naturally almost everywhere in the temperate female; they pair up and migrate to their breeding
and subtropical northern hemisphere and have been grounds, where the female excavates a depression in
introduced elsewhere. With their long, rounded, the ground and lines it with nearby grasses. She will
relatively flat bills with a hook-like nail at the end, lay anywhere from one to a dozen eggs or more and
dabbling ducks are well adapted for dipping from the start incubation only after they are all laid, so they all
surface and searching for food on the bottoms of hatch at once and follow the mother around to learn
shallow waters. Inside the edges of the bill are duck survival skills. Her drab plumage serves her
lamellae, comb-like structures that serve as sieves. well as camouflage during this process.
A mouthful of mud and water is taken in the mouth An interesting urban myth about ducks is that
and filtered for food items like insects and seeds. their quack does not produce an echo. Ridiculous on
The especially wide bill that gives the Northern the face of it, this belief has been disproven in the lab.

24
 AN T H RAC IN U S

Americana a-m er-i-K A N -a

O f America, as in Recurvirostra americana, the American Avocet

Ammodramus am -m o-D RA-m us

Greek, ammos, sand, and dramos, to run, as in Ammodramus
savannarum, the Grasshopper Sparrow

Amoena, -us a-M O Y-na/nus

Lovely, beautiful, as in Passerina amoena, Lazuli Bunting

Ampeliceps am -PEL-ih-seps
Ampelos, coiling like a vine, and ceps, headed, as in Ampeliceps
coronatus, the Golden-crested Myna

Amphispiza am-fi-sPY-z.*
Greek, amphi, having two alternates, and spiza, finch, as in
Amphispiza hilineata, the Black-throated Sparrow, originally
considered a finch

Anas AN-as Anous A H -no os

Greek, duck, as in Anasplatyrhynchos, the Mallard Greek, silly, stupid, as in Anous stolidus, the Brown Noddy,
which shows little fear of humans
Anhing cl an-H IN -ga
From Tupi Indian (Brazil) language, as in Anhinga anhinga, Anser A N -ser
the Anhinga Goose, as in Anser anser, the Greylag Goose

Anisognathus an-ih -sog-NA -thus Anthobaphes an-tho-BAF-eez

Greek, aniso, unequal, andgnathos, jaw, as in Anisognathus Greek, anthos, flower, baph, dye, dip, as in Anthobaphes violacea,
notabilis, the Black-chinned Mountain Tanager the Orange-breasted Sunbird

Anna A N -n a Anthocephala an-tho-se-FAL-a

After Princess Anna d’Essling, Duchess of Rivoli, as in Greek, anthos, flower, Latin, cephala, head, as in Anthocephala
Calypte anna, Annas Hummingbird Jloriceps, the Blossomcrown, a type of hummingbird

Anomalospiza an-om-o-lo-SPY-za Anthonyi an-TH O N E-ee-eye

Greek, anomalos, odd, and spiza, finch, as in Anomalospiza After Alfred W. Anthony, American bird collector
imberbis, the Cuckoo-finch and ornithologist, as in Nyctidromus anthonyi,
Anthony’s Nightjar

Recurvirostra americana, Anthornis an-THOR-nis

Greek, anthos, flower, omis, bird, as in Anthornis melanura,
the New Zealand Bellbird

Anthoscopus an-tho-SKO -pus

Greek, anthos, flower, skopos, seeker, as in Anthoscopus
caroli, the Gray Penduline Tit

Anthracinus A n-thra-SYE -nus

Coal black, as in Buteogallus anthracinus,
the Common Black Hawk

25
AN T H U S

Anthus A N -th us
Greek, flower, as in Anthus rubescens (fresh, reddish), the
Buff-bellied Pipit, pipit meaning to chirp. Name perhaps based
upon the flower-colored Western Yellow Wagtail, Motacillaflava,
a member of the same family as the pipit

Antiquus an-TI-kwuss
Old, as in Synthliboramphus antiquus, the Ancient Murrelet

Aphelocoma a-fe-lo-KO-ma
Greek, apheles, smooth, and kome, hair, as in Aphelocoma
coerulescens, the Florida Scrub Jay

Apicalis a-pi-KA-lis
Tipped, referring to the tail, as in Moho apicalis, the extinct Argentatus ar-jen-TA-tus
Oahu Oo Adorned with silver, as in Larus argentatus, the European
Herring Gull
Aquaticus a-Kmr-ih-kus
Aquatic, as in Rallus aquaticus, the Water Rail Argus AR-gus
Greek, argos, the bright one, as in Argusianus argus, the Great
Aquila a-K W IL -a Argus (pheasant)
Eagle, as in Aquila nipalensis, the Steppe Eagle
Arquata ar-K W A-ta
Arachnothera a-rak-no-TH ER-a Curved, bow-shaped, as in Numenius arquata, the Eurasian Curlew
Greek, arachno, spider, and them, hunt, as in Arachnothera
chrysogenys, the Yellow-eared Spiderhunter Asio AH-see-o
Little horned owl, as in Asio otus, the Long-eared Owl
Arborea ar-BOR-ee-a
Tree, as in Spizella arborea, the American Tree Sparrow Assimilis os-s i m - u -u
Like, similar, as in Circus assimilis, the Spotted Harrier,
Archboldia arcb-BO LD-ee-a similar to the Swamp or Marsh Harrier
After Richard Archbold, zoologist at the American Museum of
Natural History, as in Archboldiapapuensis, Archbold s Bowerbird Ater A H -ter
Black, as in Daptrius ater, the Black Caracara and Molothrus ater,
Archeopteryx ar-kee-OP-ter-iks the Brown-headed Cowbird
Greek, Archeo, ancient, andpteryx, wing, as in Archeopteryx
lithographica, “ancient wing,” often considered the “first bird” Athene ah-TH E E -nee
After Athena, Greek goddess of wisdom, as in Athene noctua,
Archilochus ar-kee-LO-kus Little Owl
Greek, archi, chief, and lochus, ambush, as in Archilochus colubris,
the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, probably because of the birds Atilla ah-T IL -la
territorial behavior From Turkic, original name of Volga River, as in Atilla rufus, the
Gray-hooded Atilla. Atilla flycatchers are so named because of their
Arctica A R K -ti-ka aggressive nature, as in Atilla the Hun
Northern, as in Gavia arctica, the Black-throated Loon or Diver
Atra AT-ra
Arenaria a-ren-AR-ee-a Black, as in Myiagra atra, the Biak Black Flycatcher
Sand-pit, as in Arenaria interpres, the Ruddy Turnstone
AtratUS ah-TR A -tus
Atra, black, as in Coragyps atratus, the American Black Vulture

26
 A pteryx

T hefromgenusthe name Apteryx (AP-ter-iks) derives

Greek a, without, lacking, and pteryx,
wing, although the five species in this genus do in fact
have wings, albeit very small and almost unnoticeable.
These are the kiwis, the common name derived from
the Maori name for the call. The species are the Great
Spotted, A. haastii, and Little Spotted, A. owenii,
Kiwis, the Okarito, A. roivi, Southern Brown,
A. australis, and North Island Brown, A. mantelli,
Kiwis. All are restricted to New Zealand, and New
Zealanders are often referred to as Kiwis.
Kiwis are ratites, a group of large flightless birds
including the Ostrich, Rhea, Emu, and two cassowar­
ies. There are about 40 species of flightless birds in the
world, but ratites are a special group because they do Apteryx haastii,
not possess a keel (carina) on their sternum. In flying Great Spotted Kiwi
birds the keel anchors the large flight muscles, but
ratites have no keel and only poorly developed breast Many flightless birds, like the kiwis in New Zealand,
muscles. Ratite, from the Latin ratis, meaning ship, evolved on islands with few or no land predators.
refers to the keel-less sternum that resembles a simple But with the introduction of cats, weasels, opossums,
boat. Ratites have no tail, their feathers are primitive and the reduction of suitable habitat, populations
with no barbules to hook the barbs together, and have declined drastically. Only about 5 percent of
there is no preen gland to oil their feathers. kiwi chicks survive in the wild and only in areas
Kiwis are unusual in a number of other ways. where there is some predator control.
They are nocturnal, they have long rictal bristles that
serve a tactile function, they probe in the ground
with their long bills for worms, and they lay
the largest eggs in the world in proportion
to their size. About the size of a chicken
and weighing 4 to 6 pounds
(1.5 to 3.3 kilograms), a kiwi lays an
egg that weighs about one quarter of its
body weight and is roughly six times the
size of the average chicken egg. As you might
expect, the female has to eat considerably
more than usual during the 30 days the
egg is developing.
27
A T R • C. A i> 1 i I. A

Atricapilla ah-tn-ka-pn-u Aura AW -ra

Atra, black, and capill, hair, as in Sylvia atricapilla., Breeze, air, as in Cathartes aura, the Turkey Vulture
the Eurasian Blackcap
Auratus aw -R A-tus
Atricilla a-m-siL-u Aurata, golden or gilded, as in Icterus auratus, the Orange Oriole
Atra, black, and cilia, tail, as in Leucophaeus atricilla,
the Laughing Gull AuricepS AW -ri-seps
Aurum, gold, and ceps, head, as in Pharomachrus auriceps,
Atricristatus a-tri-kris-TA-tus the Golden-headed Quetzal
Atra, black, and cristatus, crest, as in Baeolophus atricristatus,
the Black-crested Titmouse Auricularis aw-ri-koo-LA-ris
Pertaining to the ear, as in Myiornis auricularis,
Atrogularis aa-tro-goo-LAR-is the Eared Pygmy Tyrant
Atra, black, and gula, throat, as in Spizella atrogularis,
the Black-chinned Sparrow Aurifrons A W -ri-fronz
Aurum, gold, andfrons, front, forehead, as in Ammodramus
Audouinii aw -D W IN -nee-eye aurifrons, the Yellow-browed Sparrow
After Jean Victoire Audouin, French naturalist, as in
Ichthyaetus audouinii, Audouin’s Gull Auritus aw -R YE -tus
Auris, ear, with ears, as in Phalacrocorax auritus,
A u g u r AW -ger the Double-crested Cormorant (see box)
Tell the future, as in Buteo augur, the Augur Buzzard; perhaps after
the augur, the Roman priest who interpreted the gods’ wills by Aurocapilla aw-ro-ka-PIL-a
studying birds’ flight Aurum, gold, and capillus, hair, as in Seiurus aurocapilla,
the Ovenbird, with a line o f orange feathers on the top
of the head that can be erected

LATIN IN ACTION Auroreus aw-ROR-ee-us

Daybreak, sunrise, as in Phoenicurus auroreus,
the Daurian Redstart
The Double-crested Cormorant has two tufts of
feathers or “ crests,” but the Latin adjective auritus,
long-eared, is used to describe the bird. Auritus can
Australis A U S-tra-lis
After a hypothetical southern continent, Terra australis incognita,
also mean attentive or nosey, as forward-facing as in Acrocephalus australis, the Australian Reed Warbler
ears on a mammal like a dog suggest.These tufts
are not noticeable except during breeding season. Axillaris ak-sil-LA R-is
Interestingly, the tufts tend to be black in the more Axil, under the armpit, and aris, referring to, as in Myrmotherula
southern areas of North America and get whiter axillaris, the White-flanked Antwren
as one moves northward.Alaskan birds’ tufts are
white.This gradual and continuous gradient of Ayresii a i r s -ee-eye

tuft color is an example of a cline, from After Thomas Ayres, British collector and naturalist,
as in Cisticola ayresii, Wing-snapping Cisticola
the Greek klinein, meaning to lean or
incline, and is one way birds recognize
other birds from their population.
Aythya eye-TH EE-a
Greek aithuia, a water bird, as in Aythya affinis,
the Lesser Scaup
Phalacrocorax auritus,
Double-crested Cormorant

28
 BANNERMAN!

B
Bacchus BAK -kus
Roman god of wine, as in Ardeola bacchus, the Chinese Pond Heron,
with a head and neck the color of red wine

Bachmani BAK -m an-eye

After John Bachman, minister and naturalist who co-authored
Quadrupeds o f North America with J. J. Audubon, as in Haematopus
bachmani, the Black Oystercatcher

Badia ba-D EE-a

Bay-colored, as in Cecropis badia, the Rufous-bellied Swallow

Badius BA-dee-us
Chestnut or bay colored, as in Ploceus badius, the Cinnamon Weaver

Baeolophus bee-o-LO-fus
Greek, baio, little, and Latin, lophus, crest, as in Baeolophus bicolor, Baeolophus bicolor,
the Tufted Titmouse Tufted Titmouse

Baeopogon bee-o-PO-gon
Greek, baio, little, andpogon, beard, as in Baeopogon indicator,
the Honeyguide Greenbul BalaenicepS bay-LEEN-ih-seps
Balaena, whale, and ceps, head, as in BalaenicepS rex, the Shoebill
Bahamensis ba-ha-M EN -sis
Bahamian; as in Anas bahamensis, the White-cheeked Bambusicola bam -bus-ih-KO -la
(or Bahama) Pintail From Bambuseae, the bamboo family, and cola, dweller, as in
Bambusicola thoracicus, the Chinese Bamboo Partridge
Baileyi BAY-lee-eye
After Alfred Marshall Bailey, director of the Denver Museum of Bangs ia b a n g -see-a
Natural History, who collected the specimen, as in Xenospiza baileyi, After Outram Bangs, curator of mammals at the Harvard
Sierra Madre Sparrow Museum of Comparative Zoology, as in Bangsia arcaei, the
Blue-and-gold Tanager
Bailloni, -ills by-LON-eye/ee-us
After Louis Antoine Francois Baillon, French naturalist and collector, Banksiana bank-see-AN-a
as in Baillonius (now Pteroglossus) bailloni, the Saffron Toucanet After Joseph Banks, English botanist and explorer, as in
Neolalage banksiana, the Buff-bellied Monarch
Bairdii BEAR-dee-eye
After Spencer Fullerton Baird, naturalist and second secretary of the Banksii BANK-see-eye
Smithsonian Institution, as in Calidris bairdii, Bairds Sandpiper After Joseph Banks, English botanist and explorer, as in
Calyptorhynchus banksii, the Red-tailed Black Cockatoo
Bakeri BAY-ker-eye
After John Randal Baker, professor at the University of Oxford, Bannermani BAN -ner-m an-eye
as in Ducula bakeri, the Vanuatu Imperial Pigeon; also George Fisher After David Armitage Bannerman, former Chairman of the
Baker, American banker and trustee of the American Museum of British Ornithologists’ Club, as in Tauraco bannermani,
Natural History, as in Sericulus bakeri, Fire-maned Bowerbird Bannerman’s Turaco

29
BARBARUS

Barbarus bar-BAR-us Bathmocercus bath-m o-SIR-kus

Barba, beard, as in Megascops barbarus, the Bearded Screech Owl Greek, bathmo, step or degree, and Latin, cerco, tail, as in
Bathmocercus cerviniventris, the Black-headed Rufous Warbler
Barbatus bar-BA-tus
Barba, beard, as in Gypaetus barbatus, the Bearded Vulture Batis BA-tis
Malay-Polynesian, plant, as in Batis minor, the Eastern Black-headed
Barbirostris bar-bi-Ross-tris Batis, after an unidentified Greek bird that fed in the brambles
Barba, beard, and rostris, beak, as in Myiarchus barbirostris,
the Sad Flycatcher, the scientific name referring to rictal brisdes Batrachostomus ba-tra-ko-STO -m us
Greek, batracho, frog, and stoma, mouth, as in Batrachostomus
Barlowi BAR-lo-eye moniliger, the Sri Lanka Frogmouth
Alter Charles Barlow, South African businessman, as in
Calendulauda barlowi, Barlows Lark Baumanni BO W -m an-nye
After Oscar Baumann, Austrian explorer and geographer, as in
Barnardius bar-N AR-dee-us Phyllastrephus baumanni, Baumann’s Olive Greenbul
Alter Edward Barnard, zoologist, botanist, and horticulturalist,
as in Barnardius zonarius, the Australian Ringneck B e c k i BECK-eye
After Rollo Beck, American bird collector, as in Pseudobulweria
Baroni BA-ron-eye becki, Beck’s Petrel
Alter O. T. Baron, German engineer and amateur ornithologist,
as in Cranioleuca baroni, Barons Spinetail Belcheri BEL-cher-eye
After Admiral Edward Belcher, British naval officer and explorer,
Bartletti BART-Ut-tye as in Larus belcheri, Belcher’s Gull
After Abraham Bartlett, taxidermist and zoologist at the
Zoological Society of London, as in Crypturellus bartletti, Beldingi BEL-ding-eye
Bartlett’s Tinamou After Lyman Belding, American professional bird collector,
as in Geothlypis beldingi, Belding’s Yellowthroat
Bartramia bar-TRAM -ee-a
After William Bartram, naturalist, botanist, and explorer; his Bella B E L -la
father was known as the father of American botany, as in Beautiful, fair, as in Goethalsia bella, the Pirre Hummingbird
Bartramia longicauda, the Upland Sandpiper
Bellulus Bell-LU -lus
Baryphthengus bar-if-THEN-gUs From bellus, pretty, as in Margaromis bellulus,
Greek, bary, heavy, andphthengis, voice, as in Baryphthengus the Beautiful Treerunner
martii, the Rufous Motmot

Basileuterus bas-ih-LOY-ter-us Basilornis celebensis,

Greek, basil-, royal, kingly, and enter, music as in Basileuterus (now Sulawesi Myna
Myiothlypis)fraseri, the Gray-and-gold Warbler

Basilornis bas-ih-LORN-is
Greek, basil-, royal, and ornis, bird, as in Basilornis celebensis,
the Sulawesi Myna

Bates! B ATES-eye
After George Bates, who wrote the Handbook o f the Birds of
West Africa, as in Apus batesi, Bates’s Swift

30
 B I L I N E AT A

Bendirei ben-DEER-eye
After Charles Emil Bendire, egg-collector, oologist, and US Army LAT I N IN A C T I O N
surgeon, as in Toxostoma bendirei, Bendire s Thrasher

Bengalensis ben-ga-LEN-sis Eremophila bilopha describes Temminck’s (Horned)

Lark as a two-crested bird with a love of lonely
After the Bengal region shared by India and Bangladesh,
as in Bubo bengalensis, the Indian Eagle-Owl places.The two crests (or tufts or horns) are
actually elongated feathers that are obvious on
Berlepschi ber-LEP-shy the head of the breeding male and more subtle
After Hans Hermann von Berlepsch, a German ornithologist, on the female.The bird lives in far northern Africa,
as in Chaetocercus berlepschi, Esmeraldas Woodstar extending eastward to part of the Middle East,
where it inhabits rocky, semi-desert habitats.
Berliozi bear-lee-OZE-eye Seventeen species of birds were anointed with
After Jaques Berlioz, French ornithologist, as in Apus berliozi, the common name ofTemminck, after Coenraad
Forbes-Watson’s Swift
Temminck, a Dutch zoologist who wrote a manual
Berthelotii ber-te-LOT-ee-eye
on the birds of Europe over the years
18 15-1840 that was a standard for many
After Sabin Berthelot, French naturalist and author of the
Natural History o f the Canary Islands, as in Anthus berthelotii, years.“ Lark” is from the Middle
Berthelots Pipit English larke, songbird.

Bewickii bee-WIK-ee-eye
After Thomas Bewick, English naturalist and wood engraver,
as in Thryomanes bewickii, Bewicks Wren

Bias BY-as Eremophila bilopha,

Temminck’s Lark
French, biais, slope, sideways, against the grain, as in Bias musicus,
the Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher

Biarmicus Bi-ARM-i-cus
From Biarmica, a region of Russia, as in Falco biarmicus, Bicolor BY-ko-lor
the Lanner Falcon Bi-, two, and color, color, as in Nigrita bicolor, the
Chestnut-breasted Nigrita (finch)
Biatas by -AT-as
Greek, forceful, mighty, as in Biatas nigropectus, the Bicornis by-KOR-nh
White-bearded Antshrike Bi-, two, and comis, horned, as in Buceros bicomis, the
Great Hornbill
Bicalcarata, -um, -US by-kal-kar-AT-a/um/us
Bi-, two, and calcar, spur, as in Galloperdix bicalcarata, the Bidentatus, -a by-den-TA-tus/ta
Sri Lanka Spurfowl Bi-, two, and dentata, teeth, as in Lybius bidentatus,
the Double-toothed Barbet
Bicinctus
Bifasciatus
by-siNK-tu,
Bi-, twice, and cinctus, encircled, surrounded, banded, as in Treron by-fa-see-AH-tus
bicinctus, the Orange-breasted Green Pigeon, with an orange band Bi-, two, andfasciatus, banded, as in Saxicola (now Campicoloides)
on its chest bifasciatus, the Buff-streaked Chat

Bicknelli BIK-nel-lye Bilineata, -U S by-lin-ee-AH -ta/tus

After Eugene Bicknell, American ornithologist and businessman, Bi-, two, and linea, line, as in Amphispiza bilineata,
as in Catharus bicknelli, Bicknells Thrush the Black-throated Sparrow

31
BILO PH A

Bilopha, 'U S by-LO -fa/fus Blythii BLYTH -ee-eye

Bi-, two, and lophus, crest, as in Eremophila bilopha, Temmincks After Edward Blyth, English zoologist, as in Tragopan blythii,
Lark (see box) Blyth’s Tragopan

Bimaculata, •"US, by-m ak-oo-LA-ta/tus Blythipicus bly-thib-PIK -us

Bi-, two, and maculates, spotted, as in Melanocorypha bimaculata, After Edward Blyth, English zoologist, and picus, woodpecker,
the Bimaculated Lark as in Blythipicuspyrrhotis, the Bay Woodpecker

Binotata by-„o-TAT-a Bocagii bo-KAJ-ee-eye

Bi-, two, and nota, marked, as in Apalis binotata, the Lowland After Portuguese naturalist Jose Vicente Barlosa du Bocage,
Masked Apalis as in Nectarinia bocagii, Bocage s Sunbird

Birostris by-Ross-t™ Boissonneaua bwa-son-O-a

Bi-, two, and rostris, beak, as in Ocyceros birostris, the After Adolph Boissoneau, French ornithologist and author,
Indian Gray Hornbill as in Boissonneauaflavescens, the Buff-tailed Coronet

Biscutata bh-koo-TAT-a Bolbopsittacus bol-bop-SIT-ta-kus

Bi-, two, and scutum, shield, as in Streptoprocne biscutata, Greek, bolbo, bulb, andpsittakos, parrot, as in Bolbopsittacus
the Biscutate Swift, in reference to the shape of the wings lunulatus, the Guaiabero

B i s h o p i BISH -op-eye Bolborhynchus boi-bo-RiNK -us

After Charles Bishop, American businessman who lived in Greek, bolbo, bulb, and Latin, rhynchus, bill, as in Bolborhynchus
Hawaii, as inMoho bishopi, Bishops Oo lineola, the Barred Parakeet

Bistriatus bis-tree-AH -tus Boliviana, 'U S , - l i m bo-liv-ee-AN -a/us/um

Bi-, two, and stria, streak, as in Burhinus bistriatus, After Bolivia, as in Atilla bolivianus, the White-eyed Atilla
the Double-striped Thick-knee

Bistrigiceps bu-TRiH-ji-seps
Bi-, two, striga, furrow, and ceps, head, as in Acrocephalus
bistrigiceps, the Black-browed Reed Warbler

Bitorquata, 'U S by-tor-K W A-ta/tus

Bi-, two, torquatus, collar, as in Streptopelia bitorquata,
the Island Collared Dove

Bivittata, -U S bi-vit-TA T-a/us

Bi-, two, vitta, stripe, band, as in Petroica bivittata,
the Mountain Robin

Blanfordi B LA N -for-dye
After William Blanford, geologist and zoologist, as in Pyrgilauda
blanfordi, Blanfords Snowfinch

Bleda B LE D -a
After Bleda the Hun, brother of Atilla, as in Bleda syndactylus,
the Red-tailed Bristlebill

32
 BRACCATUS

Bollii BOL-lee-eye
After Carl Bolle, German collector and botanist,
as in Columba bollii, Bolle s Pigeon

Bombycilla bom -bi-SIL-la

Greek, bombyx, silkworm, and Latin, cilia, hair, as in Bombycilla
garrulus, the Bohemian Waxwing, with silky smooth plumage

Bonapartei bo-na-PAR-tye
After J. Bonaparte, American ornithologist, as in Nothocercus
bonapartei, the Highland (or Bonaparte’s) Tinamou

Bonasa bo-N A -sa

Bonasus, wild bull, as in Bonasa umbellus, the Ruffed Grouse;
probably refers to the sound of the birds rapid wing-beating
display, known as “drumming”

B o n e l l i bo-N EL-lye
After Franco Bonelli, Italian ornithologist and collector, as in
Phylloscopus bonelli, the Western Bonelli s Warbler Bottae BOT-tee
After Carl-Emile Botta, French traveler and doctor,
Boobook Boo-book as in Oenanthe bottae, the Red-breasted Wheatear
After the call of various owls in Asia and Australia,
as in Ninox boobook, the Southern Boobook Botterii bot-TARE-ee-eye
After Matteo Botteri, Yugoslavian ornithologist and collector,
Borbonica, -us bor-B O N -ih-ka/kus as in Peucaea botterii, Botteri s Sparrow
After lie Bourbon, the former name of lie Reunion,
as in Phedina borbonica, the Mascarene Martin Boucardi boo-KARD-eye
After Adolphe Boucard, French naturalist, as in
Borealis bor-ee-AH-lis Amazilia boucardi, the Mangrove Hummingbird
Northern, of the north, as in Picoides borealis, the Red-cockaded
Woodpecker, or Phylloscopus borealis, the Arctic Warbler Bougainvillei boo-gen-VIL-lye
After Louis-Antoine de Bougainville, French admiral and explorer,
Borealoides bor-ee-a -L O ID -eez as in Actenoides bougainvillei, the Moustached Kingfisher
Ressembling the north, as in Phylloscopus borealoides,
the Sakhalin Leaf Warbler Bourbonnensis boor-bon-NEN-sis
After lie Bourbon, the former name of He Reunion, as in
Bornea BOR-nee-a Terpsiphone bourbonnensis, the Mascarene Paradise Flycatcher
After Borneo, as in Eos bornea, the Red Lory
Boweri BOW -er-eye
Bostrychia bo-STRICK-ee-a After Thomas Bowyer-Bower, English-born curator of ornithology
Greek, bostrych, curl, as in Bostrychia olivacea, the Olive Ibis, in Australia, as in Colluricincla boweri, Bowers Shrikethrush
named for its curved bill
Boyeri b o y - er-eye
Botaurus bo-TAW -rus After Joseph Boyer, French sea captain and explorer, as in
Bo, cow, and taurus, bull, as in Botaurus stellaris, the Coracina boyeri, Boyers Cuckooshrike
Eurasian Bittern, referring to the birds booming call
Braccatus brak-KA-tus
Wearing trousers, as in Moho braccatus, the extinct Kauai Oo,
a honeyeater, referring to its yellow-colored thighs

33
 Avian Adaptations
fused. The fiircula (wishbone) and uncinate
Sinceyearsbirdsago, they
arrived on the scene over 150 million
diverged into a wide variety of (hooked) processes of the ribs stiffen the skeleton
niches and the adaptations that provide them with while preserving flexibility. Instead of a toothed jaw,
the means to live successfully. In spite of their they have a beak. To manipulate objects, they have a
diversity, birds are probably the most homogeneous very flexible neck with 13-25 cervical vertebrae,
group in the animal kingdom. They are all homeo- compared to seven for most mammals*. Their bones
thermic (warm-blooded), they all lay eggs, the vast are generally denser than mammalian bones,
majority show some parental care, all have feathers, pneumatic and cross-hatched with struts, making
and all but 40 of 10,000 species can fly. them very strong.
The skeleton of birds is made to withstand the Birds have large eyes with superb light-gathering
stresses of flying and landing. Many of their bones power, visual acuity, and light sensitivity. They can
are fused, such as the caudal vertebrae, forming the see 180 degrees or more and keep everything in focus
pygostyle, a tail structure covered with fat and muscle as their eyes are somewhat flattened. They have an
and sometimes called the “popes nose.” Bones of the enormous number of rods and cones (photoreceptive
pelvic girdle and some bones of the arm and hand are cells) in their retina. They can not only see visible
light, but ultraviolet. Their lenses can change their
Bucorvus abyssinicus,
optical properties quickly, allowing the birds to keep
Abyssinian Ground Hornbill in focus and track objects like flying insects, and
navigate through bushes and trees without
Bird bones are denser than mammal bones collisions.
and are very strong.
Birds* hearing is acute. Although most
lack an external ear, their ear construction and the
Because birds’ necks are so flexible, people range of frequencies they can detect are similar to
picking up a stunned or dead bird often mammals. Owls can hear particularly well because
assume the neck is broken.
they do have external pinna that help to capture
sound, but theirs are asymmetrical so they can
pinpoint the direction of the sound. Since many
birds use calls or songs for courtship, identification,
or territory defense, hearing is an important survival
sense. In mammals the little hair cells that transmit
The tibiotarsus is composed of the sound from the ear to the brain die off as the animals
partially fused tibia and tarsus.
get older, causing increasing degrees of deafness. In
birds the hair cells are regenerated so they can
maintain acute hearing throughout their life.
The tarsometatarsus Birds use a lot of energy flying, requiring more
is the "ankle," composed
of fused tarsal and oxygen and driving up body temperature. A very
metatarsal bones. efficient respiratory and cooling system is made
 AV I A N A D A P i AT 1O N S

doves (Columbiformes) can suck water up into

their throats, but most birds have to fill their
mouths with liquid and tilt their head back. To save
weight, most birds do not have a urinary bladder
and have minimal water requirements. Mammals
produce urea, a toxic substance that needs to be
diluted before it is passed from the body via the
bladder. Birds produce the insoluble uric acid
which can be excreted, along with the feces
(bird droppings) with very little water loss.
Flying, especially migrating long distances
every year, requires all these adaptations and more,
making everyday survival a tenuous business. For
songbirds even a short nap on the branch of a tree
requires a special adaptation. Have you ever
wondered how birds can sleep without falling out
of a tree? It turns out that a special tendon running
from the back of the leg to the toes contracts
Bubo copensis, when the bird bends its legs to perch and pulls
Cape Eagle-Owl the toes into a curled position. When it flies
off, the tendon stretches and the toes uncurl.
The terminal barbs of owls' flight feathers do not hook together, Birds are amazing, indeed.
producing a frayed edge for a virtually noiseless flight

possible by air sacs, extensions of the lungs. There are five basic arrangements
Although these extensions do not exchange oxygen, (dactyly) of toes in birds; the most
common is anisodactyly, meaning
they provide an efficient and constant flow of air over “different size digits," with three toes
the lungs. Birds do not have sweat glands, so air forward and one back. Pictured are
exchange across the lungs is the primary mechanism zygodactyl (yoke toes) feet with
two forward and two back.
for cooling.
Since birds do not have teeth—although some
have tooth-like projections on the edge of their jaws
or on their palate—they cannot chew their food.
They possess an expanded part of the esophagus
called the crop that starts the digestion process.
The partly digested food goes to the two-part
stomach, the first part being the muscular crop that
physically masticates the food, sometimes with the
help of grit that the bird swallows. Pigeons and
35
B R A G H YC O P E

Brachycope brak-ee-KOPE-ee Brachyura, -us bra-kee -O O -ra/rus

Greek, brachy, short, and cope, handle, as in Brachycope anomala, Greek, brachy, short, and oura, tail, as in Pitta brachyura,
the Bob-tailed Weaver the Indian Pitta

Brachydactyla bmk-ee-dak-TiL-a Bracteatus brak -tee-AH -tus

Greek, brachy, short, and dactyl, finger or toe, as in Certhia Gold leaf, as in Diaurus bracteatus, the Spangled Drongo
brachydactyla, the Short-toed Treecreeper
Bradornis brad- OR-nis
Brachypteracias bra-kip-ter-A CE-ee-as Greek, brad, slow, and omis, bird, as in Bradornis pallidus,
Greek, brachy, short, andptery, wing, as in Brachypteracias the Pale Flycatcher. Feeding on or near the ground, they are
leptosomus, the Short-legged Ground Roller less active than other flycatchers

Brachypterus bra-kip-t e r -us Bradypterus brad-ip-TER-m

Greek, brachy, short, and ptery-, wing, as in Tachyeres brachypterus, Greek, brady, slow and ptery, winged, as in Bradypterus baboecala, the
the flightless Falkland Steamer Duck Litde Rush Warbler. Unlike birds similar in appearance, this bird climbs
through vegetation, skulks, and walks, rather than flies, from danger
Brachyramphus bra-ki-RAM -fus
Greek, brachy, short, and ramphus, bill, as in Brachyramphus Brandti B R A N T -eye
marmoratus, the Marbled Murrelet After Johann Friedrich von Brandt, German zoologist,
as in Leucosticte brandti, Brandt s Mountain Finch
Brachyrhyncos, -a bra-kee-RiNK-os/a
Greek, brachy, short, and Latin, rhynchus, bill, as in Corvus Br JHlckii
3 l bran-IK-ee-eye
brachyrhynchos, the American Crow After Heironim Graf von Branicki, Polish zoologist, as in
Leptosittaca branickii, the Golden-plumed Parakeet

Pitta brachyura, Branta BRAN-ta

Indian Pitta Origin may be Old Norse, brantgas, the sheldrake, as in
Branta bemicla, the Brant or Brent Goose

Brasiliana, -um, -us, -ensis

bra-sil-ee-AN-a/um /us/bra-sil-ee-a-N EN -sis
After Brazil, as in Cercomacra brasiliana, the Rio de Janeiro An third

Brehmii BREM -ee-eye

After Alfred Brehm, German collector and zoologist, as in
Psittacella brehmii, Brehms Tiger Parrot

Brevicaudata bre-vi-kaw-D A-ta

Brevis, short, and caudata, tailed, as in Camaroptera brevicaudata,
the Gray-backed Camaroptera

Brevipennis bre-vi-PEN-is
Brevis, short, and pennis, feather, as in Acrocephalus brevipennis,
the Cape Verde Warbler

Brevipes b re h -vip -eez

Brevis, short, and pes, foot, as in Accipiter brevipes,
the Levant Sparrowhawk

36
 B R U N N E I V E N 'I' R I S

Brevirostris bn-vi-Ross-tris
Brevis, short, and rostris, beak, as in Brachyramphus brevirostris,
Kitditzs Murrelet

Brevis b r e -vis
Brevis, short, as in Bycanistes brevis, the Silvery-cheeked
Hornbill (see box)

Breweri BREW -er-eye

Alter Thomas Mayo Brewer, American ornithologist, as in Anas
breweri, Brewers Duck, which is actually a hybrid between the
Mallard, Anasplatyrhynchos and the Gadwall, Anas strepera

Brookii BROOK-eye
Alter Charles Brooke, a White Rajah of Sarawak, Malaysia,
as in Otus brookii, Rajah Scops Owl

Browni, “ii BRO W N-eye/ee-eye

Alter George Brown, English missionary to Melanesia, as in
Platycercus caledonicus brownii, Browns Parakeet, a subspecies
of the Green Rosella

Bruijnii BRO lN-ee-eye

Alter Anton Bruijn, a Dutch feather merchant, as in
Drepanomis bruijnii, the Pale-billed Sicklebill

Brunnea brun-NEE-a Brunneicapillus brun-nee-ka-PIL-lus

Brunne, brown, as in Alcippe brunnea, the Dusky Fulvetta Brunne, brown, and capilla, cloak, as in Apionis brunneicapillus,
the White-eyed Starling

Brunneicauda brun-nee-K AW -da

Brunne, brown, and cauda, tail as in Alcippe brunneicauda,
the Brown Fulvetta
L A T I N I N A C T I O N
Brunneiceps BRUN-m-seps
The Silvery-cheeked Hornbill’s genus, Bycanistes, Brunne, brown, and ceps, headed, as in Yuhina brunneiceps,
means “trumpeter,” undoubtedly after its low the Taiwan Yuhina
trumpeting call.The specific epithet, brevis, refers to
its relatively short bill, compared with other
Brunneinucha brun-e-nee-N O O -ka
Brunne, brown, and nucha, nape, as in Arremon brunneinucha,
hornbills. Residents of Africa and Asia, hornbills have the Chestnut-capped Brush Finch
a long, stout, down-curved bill, with a structure
unique to hornbills on top of their upper mandible. Brunneipectus brun-nee-PEK-tus
The casque varies among species and may be small, Brunne, brown, and pectus, neck, as in Capito brunneipectus,
hollow, and light, or large, heavy, and reinforced with the Brown-chested Barbet
bone.The smaller casques seem to have little or no
function but the larger ones may serve as resonating Brunneiventris brun-nee-VEN-tris
chambers for calls or for territorial dueling. Brunne, brown, and ventris, belly, as in Diglossa brunneiventris,
the Black-throated Flowerpiercer

37
B R U N N E O P Y GI A

Brunneopygia brun-nee-o-Pl-jee-a Bubalornis boo-ba-LOR-nis

Brunne, brown, and page, rump, as in Drymodes brunneopygia, Greek, bubal, buffalo, and omis, bird, as in Bubalornis niger, the
the Southern Scrub Robin Red-billed Buffalo Weaver, which often associates with cattle

B m n n e U S BRU N-nee-us Bubo BOO -bo

Brunne, brown, as in Pycnonotus brunneus, the Asian Swelling, as in Bubo scandiacus, the Snowy Owl, or Bubo bubo,
Red-eyed Bulbul the Eurasian Eagle-Owl, although the name Bubo probably came
from the owls deep and resonant calls
Brunnicephalus brun-ni-se-FAL-us
Brunne, brown, and cephala, head, as in Chroicocephalus B U C C O BOO -ko
brunnicephalus, the Brown-headed Gull Bucca, mouth, as in Bucco tamatia, the Spotted Puffbird,
with a distincdy large bill and mouth
Brunniceps BRUN-m-seps
Brunne, brown, and ceps, headed, as in Myioborus brunniceps, Bucephala boo-se-FAL-a
the Brown-capped Whitestart Greek, bous, ox, and Latin, cephala, head, as in Bucephala clangula,
the Common Goldeneye. The shape of the head reminded
Brunnifrons BRUN-ni-fronz the namer of an ox’s head
Brunne, brown, andfrons, forehead, as in Cettia brunnifrons,
the Gray-sided Bush Warbler Bucorvus boo-KOR-vus
Greek, bu, ox, and Latin, corvus, raven, as in Bucorvus abyssinicus,
the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill. Bu can also refer to the large size
Bubo scandiacus,
of an ox and this is a large bird
Snowy Owl
Bulleri BU L-ler-eye
After Walter Lawry Buller, a New Zealand lawyer, naturalist
and ornithologist, as in Puffnus bulleri, Buller s Shearwater

Bullocki BU L-lok-eye
After William Bullock, an amateur American ornithologist with
a traveling museum, as in Icterus bullocki, Bullocks Oriole

Burchelli BUR-chel-lye
After William John Burchell, English explorer and naturalist,
as in Pterocles burchelli, Burchell’s Sandgrouse

Burhinus bur-H IN E -nus

Greek, bous, ox, and rhin, nose or beak, as in Burhinus capensis,
the Spotted Thick-knee

B u t e O BOO-tee-o
Etymology unclear but a kind of hawk, as in Buteo buteo,
the Common Buzzard

Buteogallus boo-tee-o-GAL-lus
Buteo, hawk, and gallus, cock or rooster, as in Buteogallus
anthracinus, the Common Black Hawk

Buthraupis boo-THRAw-pis
Greek, bu, ox, and thraupis, tanager, as in Buthraupis montana,
the Hooded Mountain Tanager

38
 e A LA M O N A ST E S

c
Cabanisi ka-BAN -nis-eye
After Jean Louis Cabanis, German founder and editor ofJournal
fu r Omithologie, as in Emberiza cabanisi, Cabaniss Bunting

Caboti cAB-ot-i
After Samuel Cabot, American physician and ornithologist,
as in Tragopan caboti, Cabots Tragopan

Cacatua ka-ka-roo-a
Dutch, kakatoe, or Malay, kokatua, cockatoo, as in Cacatua
sulphurea, the Yellow-crested Cockatoo

Cachinnans ka-cmN-nam
Laughing, as in Herpetotheres cachinnans, the Laughing Falcon or
Snake Hawk, after its loud call that resembles laughter
Caeruleus see-ROO-lee-us
Cacomantis ka-h-MAN-ns Sky blue, as in Cyanocorax caeruleus, the Azure Jay
Greek, caco-, bad, ill omen, and mantis, a seer or prophet, as in
Cacomantis merulinus, the Plaintive Cuckoo; the cuckoo was Caeruleogularis see-roo-le-o-goo-LAR-is
thought to be able to foretell the future Caerul, blue, and gularis, throat, as in Aulacorhynchus
caeruleogularis, the Blue-throated Toucanet
Cactorum kak-TO E-rum
Greek, kaktos, cactus, as in Melanerpes cactorum, the White- Caesia, -us SEE-zee-a/us
fronted Woodpecker, which inhabits environments with cacti Pertaining to Caesar s eyes, which were gray or gray-blue, as in
Thamnomanes caesius, the bluish-gray Cinereous Antshrike
Caerulea see-Roo-u
Referring to sky, or sea, or blue, as in Passerina caerulea, Cafer kay-Jct
the Blue Grosbeak After South Africa, as in Pycnonotus cafer, the Red-vented Bulbul.
The bird was mistakenly first named after South Africa
Caerulatus see-roo-LA-tus
Referring to sky, or sea, or blue, as in Cyomis caerulatus, Cahow K A-how
the Sunda Blue Flycatcher Imitative of the birds call, as in Pterodroma cahow, the Bermuda
Petrel, known in Bermuda as the Cahow
Caeruleirostris see-roo-lee-eye-ROSS-tris
Caerul, blue, and rostris, bill or beak, as in Loxops caeruleirostris, Cairina ky-REE-na.
the Akekee, a honeycreeper with a blue bill After Cairo, Egypt, as origin, as in Cairina moschata, the Muscovy
Duck, which is actually from South America
Caeruleogrisea see-roo-lee-o-GRISS-ee-a
Caerul, blue, and grisea, gray, as in Coracina caeruleogrisea, Calamanthus ka-lam -A N -thus
the Stout-billed Cuckooshrike Greek, kalame, a stalk of grain, and anthus, flower, as in
Calamanthus campestris, the Rufous Fieldwren
Caerulescens see-roo-LES-sens
Referring to sky, or sea, or blue, as in Chen caerulescens, the Snow Calamonastes kal-a-m o-N A S-teez
or Blue Goose, because it has a blue morph Greek, kalame, a stalk of grain, and astes, singer, as in Calamonastes
simplex, the Gray Wren-Warbler

39
CAL AMOSPIZ A

CclicirnOSpiZ3. kal-a-m o-SPY-za Calliope kal-LY-o-pee

Greek, kalame, a stalk of grain, and spiza, finch, as in Calamospiza Greek, kallos, beautiful, and ops, voice, as in Luscinia calliope,
melanocorys, the Lark Bunting the Siberian Rubythroat

Calcarius kal-KAR-ee-us Callipepla kd-u-PEP-u

Calx, of lime, or limestone, or heel, spur, as in Calcarius lapponicus, Greek, kallos, beautiful, and pepla, robe, as in Callipepla californica,
the Lapland Longspur or Bunting, which has a long rear toe the California Quail

Calendula ka-ien-Doo-u Calliphlox K A L -ii-fiox

Calendae, little calendar or little clock, as in Regulus calendula, Greek, kallos, beautiful, and phlox, a flower, as in Calliphlox
the Ruby-crowned Kinglet, perhaps having to do with the timing amethystina, the Amethyst Woodstar
of its appearance during migration
Callocephalon kal-lo-se-FAL-on
Caledoilica, -Lis kal-ih-D O N -ih-ka/us Greek, kallos, beautiful, and Latin, cephala, head, as in
After New Caledonia, as in Coracina caledonica, the South Callocephalonfimbriatum, the Gang-gang Cockatoo; Gang-gang
Melanesian Cuckooshrike and Nycticorax caledonicus, the comes from an Aboriginal language
Nankeen Night Heron
Callonetta kd-u-NET-u
Calicalicus C al-i-C A L -i-cus Greek, kallos, beautiful, and netta, duck, as in Callonetta
Derives from the local Madagascan name, Calicalac, of Calicalicus leucophrys, the Ringed Teal
madagascariensis, the Red-tailed Vanga
Calochaetes kal-o-K EE-teez
Californianus, Californica Greek, kallos, beautiful, and chaete, long flowing hair, mane, as in
kal-ih-for-nee-A N -us/kal-ih-FO R-ni-ka Calochaetes coccineus, the Vermilion Tanager; the feathers of the
After California, as in Geococcyx californianus, the Greater nape and wing coverts resemble a mane
Roadrunner, and Aphelocoma californica, the California Scrub-Jay
Calocitta k d - o - s ir - ta
Callacanthis kd-u-KAN-thu Greek, kallos, beautiful, and Latin, citta, magpie, jay, as in Calocitta
Greek, kallos, beautiful, and acanthis, a (gold) finch, as in formosa, the White-throated Magpie-Jay
Callacanthis burtoni, the Spectacled Finch
Calonectris kd-o-NEK-tHs
Greek, kallos, beautiful, and nectris, swimmer, as in Calonectris
Regulus calendula, leucomelas, the Streaked Shearwater
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Caloperdix kd-o-PER-diks
Greek, kallos, beautiful, and perdix, partridge, as in Caloperdix
oculeus, the Ferruginous Partridge

Calopterus kd-op-ter-us
Greek, kallos, beautiful, and ptery, wing, as in Mecocerculus
calopterus, the Rufous-winged Tyrannulet

Calothorax kd-o-THOR-ds
Greek, kallos, beautiful, and thorax, breast or chest, as in
Calothoraxpulcher, the Beautiful Sheartail

Calvus K A L -vus
Bald, as in Sarcops calvus, the Coleto (in the starling family)

40
CALYPTE

Calypte ka-LlP-tee Cambodiana kam-bo-dee-AN-a

Greek, calypto, veiled, manded, or hidden, as in Calypteanna, After Cambodia, as inArborophila cambodiana,
Annas Hummingbird; may have to do with the head being covered the Chestnut-headed Partridge
in iridescent red feathers
Camelus kam-EL-us
Calyptocichla kai-ip-toe-siK-u Camel, dromedary, as in Struthio camelus, the Common Ostrich
Greek, calypto, hidden, and cichla, thrush, as in Calyptocichlaserinus, (see box), the reference to camel alluding to its dry habitat
the Golden Greenbul, thrush-like in appearance
Camerunensis ka-mee-roo-NEN-sis
Calyptomena kai-ip-toe-MEN-a After Cameroon, as in Vidua camerunensis,
Greek, calypto, hidden, and mena, moon, as in Calyptomena viridis, the Cameroon Indigobird
the Green Broadbill, referring to the bill being mosdy hidden by tufts
of feathers Campanisoma kam-pa-ni-SO-ma
Campan, bell, and Greek, soma, body, as in Myrmothera
Calyptophilus ka-Up-toe-FiL-us campanisona, the Thrush-like Antpitta, whose very short tail
Greek, calypto, hidden, andphila, love, as in Calyptophilus tertius, the gives its body a bell-like shape
Western Chat-Tanager, a secretive bird preferring dense undergrowth
on the forest floor Campephaga kam-pee-FAY-ga
Greek, camp, caterpillar, andphagein, eat, as in Campephagaflava,
Calyptorhynchus ka-lip-tow-RINK-us the Black Cuckooshrike
Greek, calypto, hidden, and Latin, rhynchus, bill, as in
Calyptorhynchus banksii, the Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, Campephilus kam-pe-FIL-us
with a partially hidden beak Camp, of the fields, and Greek,philos, love, as in Campephilus
pollens, the Powerful Woodpecker
Camaroptera kam-a-ROP-ter-a
Greek, kamara, arch, andptery, wing, as in Camaroptera brachyura, Campestris kam-PESs-tris
the Green-backed Camaroptera; the name may have to do with the Campestris, deity of the fields, country goddess, as in Calamanthus
way the bird holds its wings slighdy awayfrom the body campestris, the Rufous Fieldwren
Camptorhynchus kamp-tow-RIN-kus
Greek, campto, curve, and Latin, rhynchus, bill, as in Camptorhynchus
L AT I N IN A C T I O N labradorius, the extinct Labrador Duck which had a slighdy
upcurved bill
The familiar Common Ostrich, Struthio camelus, Camptostoma kamp-to-STO-ma
is described by its scientific name, as the “camel Greek, campto, curve, and stoma, mouth, as in Camptostoma
sparrow,” camel for its mammalian neighbors, but imberbe, the Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, with an arched
the description as a sparrow does not quite fit. culmen (upper ridge ofbeak)
At nearly 10 feet (3 meters) tall and 330 pounds
Campylopterus kam-pee-LOP-ter-us
(150 kilograms), they are the largest living birds in
Greek, campo, bending, andpteryx, wing, as in Campylopteruspampa,
the world. Eight species of ostriches have become
the Wedge-tailed Sabrewing
extinct since their evolution about 40 million years
ago.The Common Ostrich is distantly related to Campylorbynchus kam-pee-u-RiNK-ui
the other groups of large flightless birds such as Greek, campo, bending, and Latin, rhynchus, bill, as in Campylorbynchus
emus, cassowaries, rheas, and kiwis.These birds are zonatus, the Band-backed Wren, with a downcurved bill
Camurus ka-Moo-rus
tied together in a group called ratites, birds without
a keel on their sternum to anchor flight muscles.
Curved or arched, as in Tockus camurus, the Red-billed Dwarf
Hornbill with a curved bill
42
 CARAC ARA

Canadensis ka-na-D EN -sis Canus kan -us

After Canada or the far north, as in Grus canadensis, the Sandhill White or gray, as in Agapomis canus, the Gray-headed Lovebird
Crane
Canutus kan-O O -tus
Cancellata kan-sel-LA-ta Possibly from Denmark’s King Canute, as in Calidris canutus,
Latticework, as in Prosobonia cancellata, the Kiritimati Sandpiper, the Red Knot
perhaps describing the variable motding and streaking on the
back and breast Capense, "is ka-PEN-see/sis
O f the cape, as in Zonotrichia capensis, Rufous-collared Sparrow,
Candei KAN-dee-eye referring to southern capes such as Cape Horn and Cape of Good
White, brilliant, as in Manacus candei, the White-collared Manakin Hope, as in Daption capense, the Cape Petrel

Candida kan-D EE-da Capitalis kap-ib-TAL-is

Bright, clear, as in Amazilia candida, the White-bellied Emerald Referring to the head, as in Grallaria capitalis, the Bay Antpitta,
perhaps because of the top of the head being darker
Canens kan-mz
In Roman Myth, Canens was the personification of song, as in Capitata, -us kap-ib-TA-ta/tus
Arremonops conirostris, the Black-striped Sparrow, with a conical bill Capit-, headed, as in Paroaria capitata, Yellow-billed Cardinal, with a
and pleasant song distinctive red head

Canicapillus kan-ih-ka-P IL-lus Capito ka-PEE-to

Canus, gray, and capilla, hair, as in Dendrocopos canicapillus, Capito, large head, as in Tregellasia capito, the Pale-yellow Robin,
the Gray-capped Pygmy Woodpecker referring to the large-appearing head

Caniceps KAN-ih-seps Caprimulgus ka-pri-M U L-gus

Canus, gray, and ceps, head, as in Psittacula caniceps, Capri-, goat, and mulg, to milk, as in Caprimulgus europaeus,
the Nicobar Parakeet the European Nightjar; the scientific name comes from the old idea
that these large-mouthed birds suckled on goats
Canicollis kan-ih-K O L-lis
Canus, gray, and collis, collar, as in Ortalis canicollis, the Caracara ka-ra-KA-ra
Chaco Chachalaca Native Indian name for bird after its call, as in Caracara cheriway,
the Northern Crested Caracara
Canicularis kan-ih-koo-LAR -is
Canus, gray, and cularis, partial circle or half moon, as in Eupsittula
canicularis, the Orange-fronted Parakeet (or Half-moon Conure) Cardinalis cardinalis,
Northern Cardinal
Canifrons KAN-ih-fronz
Canus, gray, andfrons, forehead, as in Spizixos canifrons,
the Crested Finchbill

Canigularis kan-ih-goo-LAR-is
Canus, gray, and gularis, throat, as in Chlorospingus canigularis,
the Ashy-throated Bush Tanager

Canorus kan - 0R -us

Pertaining to melody or tune, as in Cuculus canorus, the Common
Cuckoo. Its song doesn’t have much of a tune but is well-known

Cantans KAN-tanz
Singing, of song, as in Cisticola cantans, the Singing Cisticola

43
CARBO

Carbo KAR-bo Carpococcyx kar-po-KOK-siks

Glowing coal, charcoal, as in Cepphus carbo, the Spectacled Greek, carpo, fruit, and coccyx, cuckoo, as in Carpococcyx viridis,
Guillemot, in reference to its dark gray to nearly black plumage the Sumatran Ground Cuckoo

Cardinalis kar-di-N A L -is Carunculata ka-run-koo-LA-ta

Principal or chief, as in Cardinalis cardinalis, the Northern Caruncul, a bit of flesh, as in Paradigalla carunculata,
Cardinal the Long-tailed Paradigalla; refers to the birds colorful
facial wattles
Carduelis kar-doo-EL-is
Carduelis, goldfinch or thistlefinch, as in Carduelis carduelis, Carunculatus kar-un-koo-LAT-us
the European Goldfinch Caruncul, a bit of flesh, as in Grus carunculata, the Watded Crane

Carolinae kar-o-LIN -ee Caryothraustes kar-ee-o-TH R A W S-teez

After Carolina, as in Horomis carolinae, the Tanimbar Bush Greek, caryo, a nut, and thraustes, crack, as in Caryothraustes
Warbler, after the Caroline Islands in the South Pacific canadensis, the Yellow-green Grosbeak, with a poweful beak for
cracking nuts
Carolinensis kaa-ro-li -N E N -sis
After Carolina, as in Sitta carolinensis, the White-breasted Cassini KAS-sin-eye
Nuthatch After John Cassin, American ornithologist and first serious,
accomplished bird taxonomist, as in Vireo cassinii, Cassin’s Vireo
Carolinus u r-o-line -us
After Carolina, as in Euphagus carolinus, the Rusty Blackbird Castanea, -Lis kas-TAN -ee-a/us
Chestnut-brown colored, as in Anas castanea, the Chestnut Teal
and Myophonus castaneus, the Brown-winged Whisding Thrush

Castaneicep S kas-tan-ee-EYE-seps
Castanea, chestnut-brown colored, and ceps, head, as in Ploceus
castaneiceps, the Taveta Weaver

Castaneicollis kas-tan-ee-eye-KO L-lis

Castanea, chestnut-brown colored, and collis, collared, as in
Ptemistis castaneicollis, the Chestnut-naped Francolin

Castaneiventris kas-tan-ee-eye-VEN-tris
Castanea, chestnut-brown colored, and ventris, belly, as in
Monarcha castaneiventris, the Chestnut-bellied Monarch

Castaneocapilla kas-tan-ee-o-ka-PIL-la
Castanea, chestnut-brown colored, and capilla, hair, as in
Myioborus castaneocapilla, the Tepui Whitestart

Castaneocoronata kas-tan-ee-o-ko-ro-NA-ta
Castanea, chestnut-brown colored, and coronatus, crowned,
as in Cettia castaneocoronata, the Chestnut-headed Tesia
(Polish for loved by god)

Castanotis kas-tan-O -tis

Castanea, chestnut-brown colored, and oto, ear, as in
Pteroglossus castanotis, the Chestnut-eared Aracari
 C ER CO MACRA

Castanotus kas-tan-O -tus

Castanea., chestnut-brown colored, and noto, back, as in
Tumix castanotus, the Chestnut-backed Buttonquail

Cathartes ka-TH A R -teez

Greek, katharos, clean, pure, as in purifier or purger, as in
Cathartes aura, the Turkey Vulture, which scavanges, thereby
clearing away dead animals

Catharus ka-TH A R -us

Greek, kathartes, cleanser, as in Catharusgracilirostris,
the Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush, probably referring
to the song of the bird

C <LU cicLtcl, -U S kaw -D A -ta/tus

Cauda, tail, as in Turdoides caudata, the Common Babbler

Caudifasciatus kaw-di-fas-se-AH -tus

Cauda, tail, and fasciatus, banded, as in Tyrannus caudifasciatus,
the Loggerhead Kingbird
Centropus sen-TRO -pus
Cauta K A W -ta Greek, kentron, point, andpous, foot, as in Centropus burchelli,
To search, as in Thalassarche cauta, the Shy Albatross Burchells Coucal, referring to the long hind toe. Coucal from
the French, perhaps from couc(ou), cuckoo, and al(ouette), lark
Cayana kye-EN-a
After Cayenne, a city in French Guiana, as in Cotinga cayana, Cephalopterus se-fal- OP-ter-us
the Spangled Cotinga, common name from the Tupi language Cephala, head, and Greek,pteryx, wing, as in Cephalopterus
of Brazil omatus, the Amazonian Umbrellabird

Cayan ensis kye-a-N EN -sis Cephalopyrus se-fai-o-py- rus

After Cayenne, a city in French Guinea, as in Icterus cayanensis, Cephala, head, and Greek,pyro, flame (colored), as in
the Epaulet Oriole Cephalopyrusflammiceps, the Fire-capped Tit

Cecropis se-KROP-is Centurus sen-roo-m s

After Kekrops (Cecrops), an early king of Attika and founder Greek, kentron, point, and oura, tail, as in Centurus
of Athens, depicted as a man with a serpents tail in place of legs, (now Melanerpes) carolinus, the Red-bellied Woodpecker,
as in Cecropis cucullata, the Greater Striped Swallow, with referring to the pointed tail of all woodpeckers (red-bellied is an
long tail feathers odd name as there is merely a wash of pink on the abdomen)

Celata se-LA-ta Cepphus sEP-fus

Hidden, as in Leiothlypis celata, the Orange-crowned Warbler, Greek, kepphos, meaning seabird, as in Cepphus columba,
referring to the usually hidden orange crown the Pigeon Guillemot

Celebensis sei-a-BEN-sis Cercococcyx ser-ko-KOK-siks

Refers to the Celebes Islands, now known as Sulawesi, as in Greek, cerco, tail, and coccyx, cuckoo, as in Cercococcyx olivinus,
Basilomis celebensis, the Sulawesi Myna the Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo

Centrocercus sen-tro-SIR-kus Cercomacra sir-ko-M AK-ra

Greek, kentron, spur, and kerko, point, as in Greek, cerco, tail, and macro, large, long, as in Cercomacra serva,
Centrocercus urophasianus, the Sage Grouse the Black Antbird

45
 D avid Lambert Lack
( 1910- 1973)

D
avid Lambert Lack perhaps had more influence
on field ornithology than any other ornitholo­
gist. Whilst still an amateur, Lack became the leading
British ornithologist of his time and a respected
evolutionary biologist, ecologist, and population
biologist. Among his many achievements, he was
director of the Edward Grey Institute of Field
Ornithology at Oxford University, fellow of the
Royal Society, and president of both the Interna­ Erithacus rubecula,
tional Ornithological Congress and the British European Robin
Ecological Society. The European Robin, pictured here, and the distantly related
The son of a well-known and prosperous American Robin are commonly seen in literature, in folklore,
London surgeon, David Lack (born in 1910) lived and as holiday icons.
a sumptuous life in a house with seven servants.
He began learning about birds at an early age, migration. In 1945 he became a professional
compiling his first life list at the age of nine and ornithologist and served as director of the Edward
identifying 100 species by the age of 15. Before Grey Institute of Field Ornithology, Oxford,
he even entered college he published his first until his death.
scientific paper. He attended Cambridge University, Lack’s first substantial work, the popular
where he was elected president of the Cambridge Life of the Robin (1943), has informative and
Ornithological Club and began a friendship with entertaining chapters on the life history of the bird,
Julian Huxley, an influential British evolutionist and including song, flight, territory, and age, as a result
proponent of natural selection. of using color banding (or ringing) and other simple
From 1933 to 1940 he taught at Dartington techniques over a four-year period. He was one of the
Hall, a progressive private school, except for a year’s originators of avian life history studies in Britain and
leave in 1938 when he spent time studying the birds influenced ornithologists around the world. He also
of the Galapagos. During World War II he served had some ideas that were novel for the time. Lack
with the Army Operational Research Group, helping debunked the idea that robins sing because they are
to develop radar. This experience was valuable later, happy or because they are trying to attract a female.
enabling him to use radar in his studies of bird He concluded that the song is to warn off rivals as

“Like many other naturalists, I was often as a boy exalted by natural beauty but this

happened less often as I grew olden though when it came it was more intense.”

David Lambert Lack

46
 DAVID L AMBERT LACK

part of maintaining a territory. He also emphasized

the idea that bird clutches will only be as large as the
food supply would support but that they would be
as large as possible.
Emanating from his meticulous field studies
in the Galapagos and his measurement of the beaks of
8,000 museum skins at the Museum of Natural History
in New York, Darwins Finches was perhaps his most
famous and influential work. It provides a fascinating The Galapagos Finches are not distinguished \ ■
account of the 14 specialized species of finch that have by their plumage, as it is mainly brown to
evolved from an original stock of seed-eating finches. black, but by their differing beak sizes which
aliow species to share a habitat
This book became a classic of ornithology. Before the
publication of this work, biology books of the time
never mentioned the finches of the Galapagos. Now tion suggested to Lack that the control mechanisms
biology, zoology, ecology, and evolutionary-themed must be very complex. He discusses these ideas in
books all do, and because of Lack’s book, the birds are Natural Regulation of Animal Numbers (1954) and
commonly called “Darwin’s Finches.” Population Studies of Birds (1966). His theory was
Such fieldwork inevitably led Lack to the variously interpreted by professionals like Richard
consideration of more theoretical questions. In Dawkins, who claimed that it supported the theory
particular, he studied the factors controlling numbers of the “selfish gene.”
in natural populations and concluded that such factors Lack’s ideas on speciation, ecological isolation,
act more severely when numbers are high than when group selection, migration, and the evolution of
they are low. The irregularities of population fluctua- reproductive strategies are best summarized in his
two most influential books, The Natural Regulation
of Animal Numbers (1954) and Ecological Adapta­
tionsfor Breeding in Birds (1968). His ideas ushered
in a new field of thought and he is often considered
the “father of evolutionary ecology.”
When Lack died in 1973, he was working on
a study of bird populations on the islands of the
West Indies, a return to an earlier interest in island
avifaunas. Although it still needed editing to prepare
it for publication, his research on the topic was
completed before his death at age 63.
Geospiza magnirostris,
Large Ground Finch

The Large Ground Finch, largest of Darwin's Finches,

specializes in eating large, hard seeds off the ground.
C E R C O M E LA

Cercomela sir-ko-M EL-a Chalcomelas kd-k„-M E L -as

Greek, cerco, tail, and melas, black, as in Cercomela. (now Oenanthe) Greek, chalco, copper, and melas, black or dark, as in Cinnyris
familiaris, the Familiar Chat chalcomelas, the Violet-breasted Sunbird

Cercotricha sir-ko-TRIC K -a Chalcomitra kai-ko-M ir-ra

Greek, cerco, tail, and trikhas, thrush, as in Cercotricha (now Greek, chalco, copper, and Latin mitra, cap, as in Chalcomitra
Erythropygia) signata, the Brown Scrub Robin, referring to the amethystina, the Amethyst Sunbird
typical thrush’s tail
Chalcopsitta k a i-k o p -sir-ta
Certhia sm -th ee -a Greek, chalco, copper, and Latinpsitta, parrot, as in Chalcopsitta
Greek, kethios, a tree creeper, as in Certhia brachydactyla, atra, the Black Lory, with gold-bronze colored underwing and tail
the Short-toed Treecreeper
Chalybea u-ub-BEE-a
Ceryle sir-IL-ee Steel, as in Progne chalybea, the Gray-breasted Martin, referring to
Greek, kerulos, a sea bird, as in Ceryle rudis, the Pied Kingfisher, the blue-gray color of the back
more likely to be found along rivers than the sea
Chamaea ka-MEE-a
Chaetocercus kee-to-SIR-kus Greek, on the ground, low, as in Chamaeafasciata,
Greek, chaeto, spine or hair, and cerco, tail, as in Chaetocercus mulsant, the Wrentit, that spends most of its time in the brush
the White-bellied Woodstar, with a double-pointed tail
Chapman i C H AP-m an-eye
Chaetoptila kee-top-TIL-a After Frank Chapman, curator of ornithology for the American
Greek, chaeto, spine or hair, and ptilon, feather, as in Chaetoptila Museum of Natural History, New York, as in Chaetura chapmani,
angustipluma, the extinct Kioea, distinguished by the bristle-like Chapmans Swift
feathers of the head and neck
Charadrius kar-A-dree-us
Chaetorhynchus kee-tow-RINK-us Plover, as in Charadrius vociferous, the Killdeer
Greek, chaeto, spine or hair, and Latin, rhynchus, bill, as in
Chaetorhynchuspapuensis, the Pygmy Drongo Chasiempis kas-ee-EM -pis
Greek, chasma, a gap, and empis, a gnat, as in Chasiempis ibidis, the
Chaetura kee-roo-ra Oahu Elepaio, a flycatcher endemic to Hawaii; refers to the birds
Greek, chaeto, spine or hair, and oura, tail, as in Chaeturafumosa, the insect-catching lifestyle
Costa Rican Swift; the Swift’s tail is typically very short with stiff
feather shafts that allow it to perch vertically on cliff walls Chelictinia kel-ik-TIN-ee-a
Greek, chelidon, swallow, and ictin, a kite, as in Chelictinia
Progne chalybea, riocourii, the Scissor-tailed Kite; birds called kites were
named after the toy

Chelidoptera kei-ih-D O P -ter-a

Greek, chelidon, swallow, andptery, wing, as in Chelidoptera
tenebrosa, the Swallow-winged Puffbird

Chen k e n
Greek, goose, as in Chen rossii, Ross’s Goose

Chenonetta ken-o-NET-ta
Greek, chen, goose, and netta, duck, as in Chenonettajubata,
the Maned Duck

48
 CICONIA

Chlorocercus klo-ro-SIR-kus
Greek, chloro-, green, and cerco, tail, as in Lorius chlorocercus,
the Yellow-bibbed Lory

Chloroceryle kio -ro-se-RIL-ee

Greek, chloro-, green, and ceryle, kingfisher, as in Chloroceryle
amazona, the Amazon Kingfisher; Kingfisher comes from
“king of the fishers”

Chlorophonia klo-ro-FONE-ee-a
Greek, chloro-, green, and phono-, voice, as in Chlorophonia cyanea,
the Blue-naped Chlorophonia

Chloropus klor-O-pus
Greek, chloro-, green, and pous, foot, as in Gallinula chloropus,
the Common Moorhen

Chordeiles k o r-d e -n -eez

A stringed instrument, dance, moving around (unclear),
as in Chordeiles minor, the Common Nighthawk; name
may derive from the birds circling the sky catching insects
in the evening

Childonias kil-D ON-ee-as Chrysia K RIS-ee-a

Greek, kheldonias, referring to a swallow, probably because Chrys, gold, as in Geotrygon chrysia, the Key West Quail-Dove
the bird resembles a large swallow, as in Childonias hybrida, which is rusty-cinnamon above with an overlay of iridescent
the Whiskered Tern colors, imparting a goldish sheen

Chilensis chi-LEN-sis Ciconia si-KO-nee-a

After Chile, as in Accipiter chilensis, the Chilean Hawk Stork, as in Ciconia ciconia, the White Stork (see box)

Chimaera ky -M EE " ' ‘

L A T I N I N A C T I O N
1
After the ancient Greek mythical beast made of parts of different
animals, as in Uratelomis chimaera, the Long-tailed Ground
Roller, that looks as if it was made of different birds It is not unusual for the genus and species to be
Chinensis chy-NEN-su identical, as in Ciconia ciconia.This may not seem
very descriptive but since the White Stork is so
After China, where it was first described, as in Oriolus chinensis,
the Black-naped Oriole familiar, it works. “Stork” may derive from the Old
English store, stiff or strong, describing the bird’s
Chloephaga klo-ee-FAY-ga upright posture. Common across Europe,
Chloe, yellow or yellowish and Greek,phagin, to eat, as in associated with human dwellings and often building
Chloephaga hybrida, the Kelp Goose, which eats green algae large nests on them, these birds feature in many
and other green plants myths and legends.There are numerous
explanations for the idea that storks deliver babies,
Chlorocephalus klo-ro-se-FAL-us but the best may be that it was used by parents to
Greek, chloro-, green, and Latin, cephala, head, as in Oriolus tell children about the new baby in the house
chlorocephalus, the Green-headed Oriole
without embarrassment.

49
C I N C LUS

Cincius siNK-ius Cirrhata sir-HA-u

Greek, kinklos, thrush that lives near water, as in Cincius cinclus, the Curly-headed, as in Fratercula cirrhata, the Tufted Puffin, known for
White-throated Dipper, which feeds and nests streamside the yellow tufts extending back from its eyes

Cincta, -us siNK-ta/tus Cisticola sis-ti-KO -la

Cingere, surround, encircle, as in Riparia cincta, the Banded Martin, Cista, a wooden basket, and colo, dwell, as in Cisticola natalensis,
with a band of brown encircling its breast the Croaking Cisticola, whose nest is in the shape of a ball or basket

Cinereicauda sin-air-ee-eye-KOW -da Cistothorus sis-tow-TH O R-us

Cinus, ashes, and cauda, tail, as in Lampomis cinereicauda, Greek, kistos, shrub, and thorus, a bed, as in Cistothoruspalustris,
the Gray-tailed Mountaingem the Marsh Wren, which hides its nest in shrubs

Cinereiceps sin-air-ee-EYE-seps Citrina si-TRY-na

Cinus, ashes, and ceps, headed, as in Malacocincla cinereiceps, Citrus or lemon tree, as in Setophaga citrina, the Hooded Warbler,
the Ashy-headed Babbler with a lemon-yellow face

Cinereus sin-AIR-ee-us Clangula kiang-Goo-u

Cinus, ashes, ash-colored, as in Xolmis cinereus, the Gray Monjita Clangere, to resound, as in Clangula hyemalis, the Long-tailed
Duck, after the bird’s distinctive call
Cinnyris s i n - ni-ris
From the Greek Hesychius of Alexandria, who called some unknown Clypeata kli-pee-AH -ta
bird kinnuris, as in Cinnyris coquerellii, the Mayotte Sunbird Clypeum, shield, as in Anas clypeata, the Northern Shoveler,
referring to its spoon-shaped bill
Circus sm-kus
Circus, race course, as in Circus cyaneus, the Hen Harrier, which Coccyzus KOK- si-zus
hunts in a more or less circular course Latinized from Greek kokkux, cuckoo, shaped like a cuckoos bill,
as in Coccyzus minor, the Mangrove Cuckoo

Colaptes auratus, Coccothraustes kock-ko-TH RAW -steez

Northern Flicker Cocco, seed, and thraustes, to eat, as in Coccothraustes
coccothraustes, the Hawfinch

Cochlearius koke-lee-AR-ee-us
Cochlear, spoon or spoonful, as in Cochlearius cochlearius,
the Boat-billed Heron, with a large spoon-shaped bill

Coerulescens seh-roo-LES-senz
Bluish, becoming bluish, as in Aphelocoma coerulescens,
the Florida Scrub Jay

Colaptes ko-LAP-teez
Latinized from Greek, kolapto, to chisel or peck, as in
Colaptes auratus, the Northern Flicker

Colchicus kol-K EE-kus

After the ancient country of Colchis on the Black Sea where
Phasianus colchicus, the Common Pheasant, originated

50
 ClNNYRIS

T
here are 132 species Cinnyris ludovicensis,
of sunbird; of the Ludwig's Double-collared
Sunbird
15 genera, Cinnyris
(SIN-ni-ris) is the largest, Sunbirds and hummingbirds
with about 45 species. They represent an example of
are typically very small and convergent evolution.

colorful birds, found in

Africa, southern Asia, parts
of the Middle East, and the the edges, forming a kind
northern tip of Australia. of straw. The end of the
Their main food is nectar, tongue is split and jagged
but they supplement their on the edges and serves to
diet with insects for protein sop up the nectar, which is
when raising young and drawn up the tubular
occasionally eat fruit. They tongue by capillary action.
are Old World ecological The very colorful males
equivalents of the New World hummingbirds, one have longer bills and tongues than the much
main difference being that the sunbirds are passerines plainer females, presumably enabling the sexes to
(songbirds of the order Passeriformes) while the exploit different flower sources for nectar.
hummingbirds are in their own order, Apodiformes, All sunbirds are strikingly beautiful, but
along with swifts. Cinnyris got its name from the only one, the Beautiful Sunbird, gets the name
Greek Hesychius of Alexandria who called some C. pulchellus, after the Latin for beautiful, but the
unknown bird kinnuris. Superb Sunbird C. superbus, Latin for splendid,
Unlike hummingbirds, which typically hover superb, and the Regal Sunbird, C. regius, Latin for
when feeding on nectar, sunbirds usually feed from kingly, get the point across. The Eastern Double-
a perch. They have long, curved bills to reach down collared Sunbird, however, attractive in its own
into the corolla of flowers, but when the corolla tube right, does not seem to deserve the unflattering
is too long, they use their bill to puncture the base name C. mediocris, Latin for ordinary.
of the flower. The tongue is extra long, Like the similar small-bodied hummingbirds
able to project far past the tip of of cold environs, sunbirds that live at high altitudes
the bill and rolls up from enter a state of torpor at night to preserve their
stored energy. The Southern Double-collared
Sunbird, C. chalybeus, can lower its body
temperature by up to 62.6°L (17°C).

Cinnyris coquerellii,
Mayotte Sunbird

51
 C olum ba
A ristophanes gave the name kolumbis, diver, Columba livia,
1 L to the Rock Dove or Pigeon, C. livia. Rock Dove o r Pigeon
The Latinized form of the Greek genus Columba
(ko-LUM-ba) means dove or pigeon. It may refer to fruits, plant parts, and
their flight behavior, swooping, and diving as if invertebrates. While almost
swimming. The terms “dove” and “pigeon” do not all other birds have to tilt
denote any real biological difference, although their heads up to drink by
those named pigeons tend to be larger birds letting gravity put water down
Old English dufe, dive, gives us dove, their throats, pigeons can suck
and pigeon derives from Old French up water to drink. They typically
pigeon, meaning young dove. lay only two eggs and, when the
The Columba genus young hatch, feed them with pigeon
contains 35 species out of 305 milk, the sloughed-off lining of a part
species in the family Columbidae, found worldwide of the esophagus called the crop.
except for the extreme south and north, and the Like many birds, doves have no
driest areas of the Sahara. Columba species are gall bladder; because they produced no bile, early
mainly Old World, but C. livia, the Rock Dove, has naturalists surmised that the birds must have a
been introduced virtually everywhere. The specific sweet disposition.
epithet livia comes from the Latin livor, bluish, Unlike mammals birds have no sweat glands,
referring to the bird’s grayish-blue coloration. so they depend on their circulatory and respiratory
The Rock Dove has had an amazing history as a systems to dissipate excess body heat. They pant or
messenger from ancient Greece until the end of vibrate their throat (called gular fluttering) and lose
World War II. Pigeons were an important form of some heat through the skin. Doves also have a unique
communication during World War I as telegraph plexus of veins and arteries around their esophagus;
lines were not complete. One when the bird is stressed, it
pigeon, called Cher Ami, expands and deflates its
delivered a message that saved esophagus, transferring heat from
allied troops and was awarded the the plexus to the esophagus
Croix de Guerre. For a long time where it escapes through
doves have appeared in Olympic evaporative cooling.
opening ceremonies and they
have been domesticated and bred Columba delegorguei,
into about 200 forms, including Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon
racers, homing pigeons, rollers,
Thirty percent of Columba species are
tumblers, highflyers, and pouters. considered threatened or near-threatened.
Members of Columba, like Habitat loss is a big factor but some pigeons
most doves/pigeons, eat seeds, and doves are hunted for food or sport

52
 CRACTICUS

Colinus ko-LEE -nus Corax KO-raks

Latinized form o f zolin, a Native American word for partridge, Raven, as in Corvus corax, the Northern Raven
as in Colinus cristatus, the Crested Bobwhite
Corniculata kor-ni-koo-LA-ta
Collaris m -l a r - e Com, horn, and culata, little, piece, as in Fratercula corniculata,
Collar, as in Aythya collaris, the Ring-necked Duck the Horned Puffin, which has a fleshy black “horn” above each eye

Columba ko-LUM-ba Cornuta k o r -m o - u

Pigeon or dove, perhaps derived from its call, as in Columba livia, Horned, as in Anhima comuta, the Horned Screamer
the Rock Dove or Pigeon. Pigeon derives from the French and
dove from the Anglo-Saxon, but there is no biological difference Coronata kor-o-N A-ta
between the two Crowned, as in Setophaga coronata, the Myrde Warbler,
with a yellow crown
Columbigallina ko-lum -bi-gal-LIN -na
Columbi-, pigeon and gallina, hen or cock, as in Columbigallina Coruscans K O R -us-kanz
minuta, the Plain-breasted Ground Dove, perhaps because of the Coruscus, glittering, shining, as in Neodrepanis coruscans,
way the bird walks on the ground the Common Sunbird-Asity

Columbina ko-lum -bi-na Corvus KOR-vus

Dove-like as in Columbinapasserina, the Common Ground Dove Crow, as in Corvus albus, Pied Crow

Concolor KON-h-u Coturnix ko-TU R-niks

O f one color, as in Corythaixoid.es concolor, the all-gray Quail, as in Coturnix coturnix, the Common Quail; the name
Gray Go-Away Bird probably derived from the bird’s three short-syllable call

Concreta kon-KREE-ta Cracticus KRAK-n-kus

Actual, large, strong, as in Platysteira concreta, Greek, kraktikos, to shriek like a raven, as in Cracticus mentalis,
the Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye the Black-backed Butcherbird

CoiltOpUS kon-TOE-pus
Greek, kontos, short, andpous, foot as in Contopus lugubris,
the Dark Pewee

Conuropsis kon-ur-OP-sis
Conurus, a genus of Old World parakeets, and opis, appearing like,
as in Conuropsis carolinensis, the Carolina Parakeet, but it was an
error in taxonomy

Cooperi KOO-per-eye
After William C. Cooper, one of the founders of the American
Museum of Natural History in New York, as in Accipiter cooperii,
Coopers Hawk

Copsychu S kop-SIK-us
Greek, kotsyfas, blackbird or thrush, as in Copsychus albospecularis,
the Madagascan Magpie-Robin

Coracina kor-a-SEEN -a
Corax, raven, and -ina, small, as in Coracina melanoptera,
the Black-headed Cuckooshrike
 C orvus
T
he genus of about 40 species Corvus brachyrhynchos,
of birds commonly known as American Crow
crows or ravens, Corvus (Kor-vus),
is Latin for “crow.” Found almost all over
the world except the polar continents and
South America, the members of this genus
are very adaptable and successful and perhaps
the most intelligent of all birds. In the US, the
American Crow, C. bmchyrhynchos, “crow with
a short bill”, is the most recognizable. In Europe H euryphagy (wide diet). They also have a
it is either the Carrion Crow (C. corone, Latin high tolerance for human activity and are
corvus, crow, and Greek, corone, raven, hence the occasionally crop pests, a habit that stimulated the
crow-raven) or Hooded Crow (C. cornix, both invention of the scarecrow some 3,000 years ago.
Latin terms meaning crow). Other birds in this Ravens and crows appear frequently in
genus have more descriptive names such as mythology and folklore. There are several Native
C. albicollis, the White-necked Raven. American stories about how the crow (or raven)
Crows, ravens, and their relatives in the family became black after rescuing the moon, sun, and stars
Corvidae have gained the deserved reputation of from an owl’s lair. In Norse mythology, two ravens
being the smartest of the bird world. They make roamed the world to bring information back to the
tools, play games, speak human words, find hidden king. And there is a British superstition that if ravens
objects, drop walnuts into road traffic so that cars ever fled the Tower of London, the monarchy would
expose the nuts’ innards, bait fish fall, so six ravens are kept there
with bread crumbs, and even and overseen by Yeoman
recognize individual human Warders.
faces. The New Caledonian Partly because of their
Crow, C. moneduloides, the most black color, crows and ravens
intelligent of any bird, uses tools have often been considered
and can make a hook (for bad omens, foretelling or
hooking insects, fruits, or nuts announcing deaths and perhaps
from crevices), something even giving rise to the name “murder”
our nearest relatives, the for a group of crows.
chimpanzees, cannot do.
Another reason for their Corvus corax,
success is their diet. They will Northern Raven
eat almost anything, animal
Ravens occasionally play by repeatedly
or vegetable, alive or dead. rolling down a snow-covered hill or
This foraging habit is called house roof.

54
 c; Y R T O N Y X

Crassirostris kras-si-R OSS-tris Cyanocephalus, ~a sye-an-o-se-FAL-us/a

Thick-billed, as in Corvus crassirostris, the Thick-billed Raven Cyaneus, dark blue, and cephala, head, as in Euphagus
cyanocephalus, Brewers Blackbird
Creatopus kree-a-TOE-pus
Greek, creas, flesh, andpous, foot, as in Pujfinis creatopus, Cyanocitta sye-an-o-SIT-ta
the Pink-footed Shearwater Cyaneus, dark blue, and Greek kitta, jay, as in Cyanocitta cristata,
the Blue Jay
CreCCa K REK-ka
A Latinized word meant to express the sound of the bird, as in Cyanocorax sye-an-o-KOR-aks
Anas crecca, the Eurasian Teal Cyaneus, dark blue and Greek, corax, raven, as in Cyanocorax
chrysops, the Plush-crested Jay
Crinitus KRiN-ih-ms
Crinit, hair or bearded, probably referring to the moveable crest, Cyanogaster sye-an-o-GAS-ter
as in Myiarchus crinitus, the Great Crested Flycatcher Cyaneus, dark blue, and Greek,gaster, stomach, as in
Coracias cyanogaster, the Blue-bellied Roller
Cristata kris-T A -u
Crested, as in Gubernatrix cristata, the Yellow Cardinal, and Cyanomelana sye-an-o-mel-AN-a
Cyanocitta cristata, the Blue Jay Cyaneus, dark blue and Greek, melas, black, as in Cyanoptila
cyanomelana, the Blue-and-white Flycatcher
Cristatus kris-TA-tus
Crested, as in Colinus cristatus, the Crested Bobwhite and the Cyanoptera sye-an-OP-ter-a
Peacock, Pavo cristatus Cyaneus, dark blue, and Greek,pteron, wing, as in Anas cyanoptera,
the Cinnamon Teal with its blue wing patches
Crocethia krow -SETH -ee-a
Greek, stone or pebble chaser or runner, as in Crocethia (now Cyanoptila sigh-an-op-TIL-a
Calidris) alba, the Sanderling, known for its habit of running back Cyaneus, dark blue, and Greek, pteron, wing, as in Cyanoptila
and forth at the edge of the surf cumatilis, Zappey s Flycatcher

Crotophaga kro-tow-FAY-ga Cygnus s i g -nus

Greek, kroton, tick, insect, and phago, eat, as in Crotophaga ani, Greek, kuknos, swan, as in Cygnus atratus, the Black Swan
the Smooth-billed Ani, which feeds not only on insects but on
seeds and fruit Cyrtonyx m-Tornks
Greek, kurtos, bent, and Latin onyx, claw, as in Cyrtonyx ocellatus,
CuCulllS koo-KOO-lus the Ocellated Quail, for the sickle-shaped claws it uses for digging
A cuckoo, from the Common Cuckoos call, as in Cuculus canorus

Cunicularia koo-ni-koo-LAR-ee-a
Cunicul, an underground passage, as in Athene cunicularia, Tachycineta cyaneoviridis,
the Burrowing Owl, which nests in an underground burrow, Bahama Swallow
either dug itself, soil permitting, or made by a mammal

Cuvieri, "ii koo-vee-AIR-eye/ee-eye

After Georges Cuvier, a French naturalist, as in Dryolimnas cuvieri,
the White-throated Rail

Cyaneoviridis sye-an-ee-o-vi-RI-dis
Cyaneus, dark blue, and viridis, green, as in Tachycineta
cyaneoviridis, the Bahama Swallow

55
D
D A C T Y I. A T R A

Dactylatra dak-til-A H -tra

Greek, dactyl, finger or toe, and Latin, ater, dark or black, as in Sula
dactylatra, the Masked Booby, from black primary feathers.
Booby comes from the Spanish bobo, referring to a slow-witted
person or ungainly bird

Dactylortyx dak-til- OR-tiks

Greek, dactyl, finger or toe, and ortux, quail, as in Dactylortyx
thoracicus, the Singing Quail

Damophila dam -o-FIL-a

Greek, poetess, contemporary with Sappho, as in Damophila julie, Paradisaea decora,
the Violet-bellied Hummingbird Goldie’s Bird of Paradise

Daption D AP-tee-on
An anagram of Pintado, as in Daption capense, the Cape Petrel, Decora dek- 0R-a
also called the Pintado Petrel Elegant, as in Paradisaea decora, Goldies Bird of Paradise,
after Andrew Goldie, who discovered the bird in 1882
Daptrius D AP-tree-us
Greek, daptes, eater, to devour, as in Daptrius ater, the Black Deglandi D EG -land-eye
Caracara, a predatory bird After Come Degland, French ornithologist, who published
European Ornithology in 1849, as in Melanitta deglandi,
Darwini, -ii D AR -w in-eye/dar-W IN -ee-eye the White-winged Scoter
After Charles Darwin, British naturalist and explorer, who famously
observed the Galapagos Finches, now called Darwins Finches, Delawarensis dei-a-ware-EN-siss
although none of them has a genus or species name darwini as does After the Delaware River on the Atlantic Coast of the US,
Nothura darwinii, Darwins Nothura, a type of tinamou as in Larus delawarensis, the Ring-billed Gull that was first
described there
Dasyornis das-ee-OR-nis
Greek, dasus, hairy, shaggy, and ornis, bird, as in Dasyornis Deleornis del-ee-OR-nis
brachypterus the Eastern Bristlebird Greek, dele-, visible, and ornis, bird, as in Deleornisfraseri,
Frasers Sunbird
Davidi D A-vi-dye
After Andre David-Beaulieu, a naturalist in French Indo-China, as in Delicata del-ih-K A-ta
Arborophila davidi, Orange-necked partridge; also after Pierre David, Pleasing, alluring, as in Gallinago delicata, Wilsons Snipe,
French priest and zoologist, as in Strix davidi, Pere Davids Owl after Scottish-American ornithologist Alexander Wilson

Davisoni DAY-vi-son-eye Delothraupis dei-o-THRAw-pis

After William Davison, curator of Raffles Museum in Singapore, Greek, delas, visible, and thraupis, tanager, as in Delothraupis
as in Pseudibis davisoni, White-shouldered Ibis castaneoventris, the Chestnut-bellied Mountain Tanager

Deconychura de-con-ih-KOO-ra Deltarhynchus dei-ta-RiNK-us

Greek, deca-, ten, onux, claw, and oura, tail, as in Deconychura Greek, delta, the letter D, and Latin, rhynchus, bill, as in
longicauda, the Long-tailed Woodcreeper; refers to the birds ten tail Deltarhynchusflammulatus, the Flammulated Flycatcher.
feathers as “claws” that help the bird climb The D comes from the triangular shape of the bill in
cross-section as in the Greek letter A

56
 D1ARDI

Demigretta dem -ee-GRET-ta Dendrortyx den-D R O R-nks

Old French, demi, half or half-sized. Demigretta was changed to Greek, dendron, tree, and ortux, quail, as in Dendrortyx barbatus,
Egretta, as in Egretta sacra, the Pacific Reef Heron, which is much the Bearded Wood Partridge
smaller than the Great Egret; egret comes from the old French
aigrette, referring to feather tufts or plumes Denhami D EN -am -eye
After Dixon Denham, English soldier and explorer, as in
Dendragapus den-dra-GAP-us Neotis denhami, Denhams Bustard
Greek, dendron, tree and agapo, to love, be fond of, as in
Dendragapus obscurus, the Dusky Grouse Diadema dye-a-D EM -a
Greek, crown or turban, as in Charmosyna diadema, the probably
Dendrexetastes den-dreks-eh-TAS-teez extinct New Caledonian Lorikeet with a deep blue crown
Greek, dendron, tree and exetastes, inspectors or examiners, as in
Dendrexetastes rufigula, the Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper Diademata, -U S dee-a-dem -A H -ta/tus
Diadema, crowned, as in Alethe diademata, the White-tailed Alethe,
Dendrocincla den-dn-siNK-u which has a crest that it can raise
Greek, dendron, tree, and cincla, circling, as in Dendrocincla turdina,
the Plain-winged Woodcreeper, so named because of its habit of Diardi dee-AR-dye
circling trees while moving up the trunk After Pierre Diard, a French explorer and collector in the
East Indies, as in Lophura diardi, Siamese Fireback
Dendrocitta d en -d ro -sir-ta
Greek, dendron, tree and citta, a jay or chattering bird, as in
Dendrocittafrontalis, the Collared Treepie, pie from the Latin
pica, meaning magpie L A T I N I N A C T I O N

Dendrocolaptes den-dro-ko -LAP - teez

The Forest Wagtail of eastern Asia is part of the
Greek, dendron, tree and colapte, to chisel, peck out, as in
Dendrocolaptespicumnus, the Black-banded Woodcreeper wagtail, pipit, and longclaw family, Motacillidae, but
in its own genus because of some unique
Dendrocopos dcn-dro-KOPE-os characteristics. Most wagtails move their tails up
Greek, dendron, tree and kopis, to split or cleave, as in and down; the Forest Wagtail wags sideways. Most
Dendrocopos major, the Great Spotted Woodpecker members of Motacillidae inhabit open areas, eat
insects, and nest on the ground.The Forest
Dendrocygna den-dro-SIG -na Wagtail nests in trees in the forest. In Sri Lanka,
Greek, dendron, tree and cygn, swan, as in Dendrocygna bicolor, the birds feed on maggots in cattle dung.
the Fulvous Whistling Duck, which sometimes nests in trees

Dendroica den-DROY-ka Dendronanthus indicus,

Greek, dendron, tree, and oikos, home or habitat, as in Dendroica Forest Wagtail
(now Setophaga) cerulea, the Cerulean Warbler

Dendronanthus den-dro-N A N -thus

Greek, dendron, tree, and Latin, anthus, a flower or a lark, as in
Dendronanthus indicus, the Forest Wagtail (see box),
which resembles a lark

Dendropicos den-DRO -pi-kos

Greek, dendron, tree, and Spanish,pico, small, sharp, beak, as in
Dendropicos lugubris, the Melancholy Woodpecker

57
 Bird Beaks
B
eak s a re a d e fin in g c h a ra c te ris tic o f b ird s. R h in o c e ro s H o r n b ill— Buceros ( h o r n e d )
S in c e m o s t b ird s u se th e ir fe e t p re d o m in a n tly rhinoceros (n o se h o r n ) — a n d M a lla rd — Anas
fo r w a lk in g o r p e rc h in g , a n d w in g s fo r fly in g o r (d u c k ) platyrhynchos (fla t b ill).
sw im m in g , th e p rim a ry to o l th e y u se to b u ild n ests, T h e b ill is c o v e re d b y a fib ro u s s tru c tu ra l p r o te in
to fin d , c a p tu re , a n d e a t fo o d , a n d to d e fe n d lay er c a lle d th e rh a m p h o th e c a (lite ra lly , b ill case),
th em se lv e s is th e ir b e a k , o r b ill. B e ak s are u se d to th e sa m e p r o te in th a t m ak e s u p th e o u te r lay er o f
c o u rt, to m a k e s o u n d s , a n d to filte r w a te r fo r fo o d . h u m a n sk in as w e ll as h a ir a n d n a ils. T h e r h a m p h o ­
T h e ir s h a p e is th u s a re fle c tio n o f th e b ird s ’ life sty le th e c a g ro w s c o n tin u a lly to c o u n te r th e w e a r o n th e
a n d a n e x c e lle n t c h a ra c te ris tic fo r id e n tific a tio n b ill. T h e tip s a n d e d g es o f th e b ill are s u p p lie d w ith
in th e field. T h e G re e k suffixes - rhino, -rostrum, n e rv e e n d in g s to a llo w th e b ird to feel w h a t it is
a n d -rhyncbo are o fte n u se d in sc ie n tific n a m e s to u c h in g a n d to m a n ip u la te it. In lo n g -b ille d
to in d ic a te a b ill’s s h a p e o r c o lo r, as in th e s h o re b ird s th e tip o f th e b ill is w e ll s u p p lie d w ith
s e n so ry cells so th a t th e y c an fin d f o o d a m o n g sa n d
a n d g rav el, a n d th e tip o f th e b ill can o p e n w ith o u t
th e e n tire ja w o p e n in g a g a in s t th e su b s tra te .
T h e sh a p e o f a b ill is la rg e ly d e te rm in e d b y th e
fo o d n e e d s o f th e b ird . F ly c a tc h e rs th a t sn a tc h th e ir
p re y in m id -a ir h av e a fla tte n e d tria n g le -s h a p e d b ill
w ith a h o o k a t th e e n d to h o ld la rg e r p re y ite m s,
as d o e s th e B lu e -b ille d B lac k T y ra n t, Knipolegus
cyanirostris. N ig h th a w k s , sw ifts, a n d sw allo w s have
sm all b ills b u t larg e m o u th s w ith stick y m e m b ra n e s
to c a p tu re in se cts. S p a rro w s h av e h e av y b ills w ith
p a la te s e sp e cially d e s ig n e d to c ra c k o p e n seed s.
S u n b ird s a n d h u m m in g b ird s h av e lo n g , th in , tu b u la r
b ills to fit in to th e c o ro lla o f flo w ers, a n d b ird s lik e
sh o v e le r d u c k s (Anas clypeata, fro m clypeatus, sh ie ld ,
re fe rrin g to th e s h a p e o f th e b ill) h av e b ills w ith
la m e lla e th a t filte r o u t fo o d ite m s fro m w a te r o r m u d .
T h e A m e ric a n A v o c e t, Recurvirostra americana, h a s a
re c u rv e d b ill to h e lp it sk im in v e rte b ra te s fro m th e

Amazona guildingii. Aulacorhynchus prasinus, Rhinoplax vigil,

St Vincent Amazon. Emerald Toucanet, Helmeted Hornbill

Although not the most attractive feature of some birds, the bill can
be important in attracting a mate during the breeding season.

58
 BIRD BEAKS

S in c e b e a k s are th e m a jo r a n a to m ic a l fe a tu re
d e te rm in in g a b ir d ’s n ic h e , th e y o fte n re d u c e
c o m p e titio n , e ith e r w ith in o r b e tw e e n sp ecies, by
b e in g s lig h tly d iffe re n t. T h e m ale b ill m a y d iffe r fro m
th a t o f th e fe m a le ju s t e n o u g h in e ith e r size o r sh a p e
to e n a b le th e m to e a t s o m e w h a t d iffe re n t f o o d ite m s.
T h e classic e x a m p le is D a r w in ’s fin ch e s o f th e
G a la p a g o s Isla n d s. T h e re are 13 sp ecies b u t o n ly a
few o n e a c h isla n d . T h e se t o f sp ecies o n e a c h islan d
e v o lv e d b e a k s th a t w ere s o m e w h a t d iffe re n t in size
o r sh a p e th a n th e o th e r sp e c ie s to e x p lo it th e fo o d
re so u rc e s o n th e ir isla n d m o re effectively. A n d any
o n e sp e c ie s w ill lo o k s o m e w h a t d iffe re n t th a n its
c o n sp e c ific c o h o rts o n o th e r islan d s. T h e o n e w ith
th e la rg e st b ill, is, o f c o u rse , Geospiza magnirostris,
Rynchops niger,
Black Skimmer th e L arg e G r o u n d F in c h .
S o , b y lo o k in g a t a b ir d ’s b ill, y o u c a n o fte n
A t hatching, the young Black Skimmer has equal-sized d e d u c e a lo t a b o u t its lifesty le.
upper and lower bills, but by the time they leave the
nest (fledge) the lower bill is a bit longer.

su rfa ce o f th e w a te r. T o u c a n b ills are large a n d lo n g ,

s u p p o s e d ly fo r re a c h in g f ru its in th ic k v e g e ta tio n ,
b u t re c e n t re se a rc h h a s d e m o n s tra te d th a t th e y are
a lso a th e rm o re g u la to ry m e c h a n is m , u s in g a b lo o d
su p p ly to in cre ase o r d im in is h th e b ir d s b o d y
te m p e ra tu re . B ills are u su a lly d istin c tiv e , as in th e
S p o t-b ille d T o u c a n e t, Selenidera maculirostris,
th e sp ecies n a m e re fe rrin g to th e s p o tte d bill.
T h e B lac k ( Rynchops niger), In d ia n ( R. albicollis)
a n d A fric a n S k im m e rs (R. flavirostris) h av e a u n iq u e
b ill w ith th e lo w e r jaw b e in g lo n g e r th a n th e u p p e r
o n e . T h e y sk im a lo n g o c e a n sh o re s w ith th e ir lo w e r
b ill in th e w a te r a n d w h e n th e y feel a fish, c ru sta c e a n ,
o r m o llu s k su c h as a sq u id , th e y sn a p th e ir b ills sh u t.
T h e lo w e r b ill’s ra m p h o th e c a , s u b je c t to th is w e a r
a n d tear, g ro w s fa s te r th a n th e u p p e r b ill’s. S k im m e rs
The male walls the female in a tree cavity by layering mud over
a lso h av e th e o n ly s lit-s h a p e d p u p ils in th e b ird the entrance, leaving only a small hole through which he passes
w o rld , e n a b lin g th e m to see th e ir b ill tip . food to her while she incubates the eggs.

59
D IAZI

Diazi dee-AZ-eye Difficilis dif-fi-siL-is

After Augustin Diaz, Mexican engineer and director of the Difficult, as in Empidonax difficilis, the Pacific Slope Flycatcher,
Mexican Geographical and Exploring Commission, as in and probably referring to the fact that Empidonax species are
Anas diazi, the Mexican Duck difficult to tell apart

Dichroa dye-KRO -a D i g l o S S a dye-GLOS-sa

Greek, di-, two or separate, and chroa, color, as in Apionis dichroa, Greek, di-, two, zn& glossa, tongue, as in Diglossa humeralis,
the Makira Starling, after its blue-black iridescent coloration the Black Flowerpiercer, referring to its fringed tongue

Dichromanassa dye-kro-m a-NASS-sa DigloSSOpis dye-glos-SO-pis

Greek, di-, two, chrom, color, and anassa, queen, as in Dichromanassa Greek, two-tongued, as in Diglossopis cyanea, the Masked
(now Egretta) rufescens, the Reddish Egret, named for its two color Flowerpiercer. Diglossopis is often subsumed under Diglossa
phases, reddish and white
Dinopium di-N O -pee-um
Dichrous D YE -krus Greek, dims, terrible, whirling, and ops, appearance, as in Dinopium
Greek, di-, two or separate, and chrous, color or complexion, benghalense, the Black-rumped Flameback, the genus name
as in Pitohui dichrous, the Hooded Pitohui, a bird that, along apparendy referring to its unusually large size for a woodpecker
with a couple of close relatives, accumulates poison in its skin
from eating a certain beede Diomedea dye-o-m eh-DEE-a
After Diomedes, hero of the Trojan War whose companions were
Dichrozona dye-kro-ZO N E-a turned into birds, as in Diomedea exulans, the Wandering Albatross
Greek, di-, two, chrous, color or complexion, zona, a belt, girdle, zone,
as in Dichrozona cincta, the Banded Antbird Diophthalma dy-op-TH AL-m a
Greek, di-, two and opthalmos, eye, as in Cyclopsitta diophthalma,
Dicrurus dy -K R oo-rUs the Double-eyed Fig Parrot; the cheek patches of some subspecies
Greek, dicros, forked and ourus, tail, as in Dicrurusforficatus, resemble eyespots
the Crested Drongo, drongo from the local name
given to it by Madagascar natives Diops DYE-ops
Greek, di-, two and ops, appearance, face, or eyes as in Todiramphus
diops, the Blue-and-White Kingfisher
Discosura conversii,
GreenThorntail Diopsittaca dye-op-SIT-ta-ka
Greek, dio, divine, noble, andpsittaca, parrot, as in Diopsittaca nobilis,
the Red-shouldered Macaw

Diphone dye-FO-nee
Greek, di-, two, and phone, sound or voice, as in Horomis diphone,
the Japanese Bush-warbler, whose beautiful voice is heard far more
often than the bird is seen

Discolor D IS-ko-lor
Greek, dis-, separate, Latin, color, color, as in the different colors
of Certhia discolor, the Sikkim Treecreeper; one population of this
bird in Burma/Myanmar has a brown throat and has been considered
a subspecies, though some consider it a separate species

Discors D IS-korz
Discordant, disagreeable, as in Anas discors, the Blue-winged Teal;
discors might refer to its call, the noise it makes while taking off,
or its face or wing patterns

60
 DOR S O M A C U LAt U S

Discosura dis-ko-soo-ra
Greek, dis-, apart, separate, and oura, tail, as in Discosura
conversii, the Green Thorntail, whose highly modified tail
feathers give it its name

Discurus dis-Koo-rus
Greek, disc, a round plate, and oura, tail, as in Prioniturus discurus,
the Blue-crowned Racket-tail

Disjuncta dis-juNK-ta
Separate, disjunct, as in Myrmeciza disjuncta, the Yapacana Antbird,
Yapacana an area of Venezuela. Disjuncta refers to the unresolved
taxonomy of this bird in relation to other Myrmeciza species

Dissimilis dis-sm-ih-Us Ptilinopus dohertyi,

Dissimilar, as in Turdus dissimilis, the Black-breasted Red-naped Fruit Dove
Thrush; most thrushes exhibit little or no sexual dimorphism,
but Turdus dissimilis does
Dominica, -cana, -canus, -censis
Dixiphia diks-ih-FEE-a doe-M IN -ih-ka/doe-m in-ih-K A N -a/kan-us,
Greek, di-, two, and xiphos, sword, as in Dixiphiapipra, the doe-m in-ih-SEN -sis
White-crowned Manakin. The anatomy of its syrinx (voice box) After the Commonwealth of Dominica in the West Indies, as in
resembles two crossed swords Pluvialis dominica, the American Golden Plover, which passes
through the West Indies during migrations
Dohertyi doe-ER T-e e-eye
After William Doherty, an American collector of insects and later Donacobius don-a-KO-bee-us
birds, as in Ptilinopus dohertyi, Red-naped Fruit Dove Greek, donax, a reed, and bios, life, living, as in Donacobius atricapilla,
the Black-capped Donacobius, which inhabits reeds and other
Dohrnii DORN-ee-eye vegetation in wetlands of the Amazonian basin
After Felix Dohrn, German founder of the first zoological research
station in the world, the Stazione Zoologica in Naples, Italy, as in Donacospiza don-a-ko-SPY-za
Glaucis dohrnii, the Hook-billed Hermit, a type of hummingbird Greek, donax, a reed, and spiza, finch, as in Donacospiza albifrons,
the Long-tailed Reed Finch
Dolei D O L-eye
After Sanford Dole, a lawyer and jurist in the Hawaiian Islands, Donaldsoni D ON-ald-son-eye
as in Palmeria dolei, the Akohekohe After Arthur Donaldson-Smith, an American traveler, African
big-game hunter, and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society,
Dolichonyx doe-n-xom ks as in Caprimulgus donaldsoni, Donaldson-Smiths Nightjar
Greek, dolichos, long, and onux, claw as in Dolichonyx oryzivorus,
the Bobolink, referring to its long claws. Bobolink derives from Dorsalis, -ac dor-SAL-is/ee
bob-o-lincoln, imitative of its call Dorsum, back, from the back, as in Mimus dorsalis, the Brown-backed
Mockingbird
Doliornis doe-lee-OR-nis
Greek, dolio, shrewd, and omis, bird, as in Doliornis remseni, Dorsimaculatus dor-si-m ak-oo-LAT-us
the Chestnut-bellied Cotinga. Probably from its secretive habits; Dorsum, back, and macula, spot, as in Herpsilochmus dorsimaculatus,
it was not discovered until 1989 the Spot-backed Antwren

Domesticus doe-M E SS-a-kus Dorsomaculatus dor-so-m ak-oo-LA-tus

Domesticus, around the house, as in Passer domesticus, Dorsum, back, and macula, spot, as in Ploceus dorsomaculatus,
the House Sparrow the Yellow-capped Weaver (with a spotted back)

61
D ORSOSTRI AT U S

Dryas d r y -as
L ATI N IN A C T I O N Dryad, tree or wood-nymph, as in Catharus dryas,
the Spotted Nightingale-Thrush
The antbirds, such as Drymophila malura, the
Drymocichla dry-mo-sicK-u
Dusky-tailed Antbird, found in Central and South
Greek, drymo, woodland, forest, and cichla, thrush, as in Drymocichla
America, belong to a couple of different families
incana, the Red-winged Gray Warbler
with over 200 species.They do not eat ants but
hunt a variety of other arthropods such as mantids, Drymodes dry-MO-deez
cockroaches, beedes, bees, and so forth, by hopping Greek, drymo, woodland, forest, as in Drymodes brunneopygia,
through the brush or snatching prey in flight. Some the Southern Scrub Robin
Drymophila dry-mo-FIL-a
species follow Army Ants and as the ants dislodge
arthropods or similar prey items from their hiding
places, the birds pounce upon them.As these birds
Greek, drymo, woodland, forest, andphilos, like, love, as in
resemble other bird families, we find names such as
Drymophila malura, the Dusky-tailed Antbird
antthrushes, antvireos, antshrikes, and antpittas.The
Drymornis dry-MOR-nis
birds will also crush ants and rub them through their
Greek, drymo, woodland, forest, and omis, bird, as in Drymornis
feathers as ants’ formic acid deters feather parasites.
bridgesii, the Scimitar-billed Woodcreeper
Dryolimnas dry-o-LIM-nas
Greek, drus, tree, and Latin, limnas, marsh or lake, as in Dryolimnas
Dorsostriatus dor-so-stree-AT-us cuvieri, the White-throated Rail
Dorsums, back, striatus, striated, striped, as in Serinus dorsostriatus,
the White-bellied Canary Dryoscopus dry-o-SKO-pus
Greek, drus, tree, and skopus, look, watcher, as in Dryoscopus cubla,
Dougallii DOO-gal-eye the Black-backed Puffback, with fluffyupper tail coverts
After Peter McDougall, Scottish physician and naturalist,
as in Sterna dougallii, the Roseate Tern D u b i a DOO-bee-a
Doubtful, uncertain, as in Alcippe dubia, the Rusty-capped
Drepanis dre-PAN-u Fulvetta, whose taxonomic relationship is uncertain
Greek, drepane, sickle, as in Drepanispacifica, the now extinct
Hawaii Mamo, referring to its downcurved bill DubilXS DOO-bee-us
Doubtful, uncertain, as in Lybius dubius, the Bearded Barbet, so
Drepanoptila dre-pan-op-m-a named because of early confusion as to the taxonomy of the bird
Greek, drepane, sickle, andptil-, feather, as in Drepanoptila
holosericea, the Cloven-feathered Dove Ducula doo-Koo-u
To lead, as in Ducula bakeri, the Vanuatu Imperial Pigeon
Drepanorhynchus dre-pan-o-RINK-us
Greek, drepane, sickle, and Latin, rhynchus, bill, as in Duidae doo-EE-dee
Drepanorhynchus reichenowi, the Golden-winged Sunbird After Cerro Duida, a mountain in Venezuela, as in Diglossa duidae,
the Scaled Flowerpiercer
Dromas d ro -mas
Greek, dromas, run, running a race, as in Dromas ardeola, Dumetella doo-meb-TEL-u
the Crab Plover Dumetum, shrub, bramble, and ella, diminutive, as in Dumetella
carolinensis, the Gray Catbird, which inhabits brushy areas
Dromococcyx dro-mo-KOK-nh
Greek, dromas, run, running a race, and coccyx, cuckoo, Dumetia dum-ET-ee-a
as in Dromococcyxpavoninus, the Pavonine Cuckoo; Shrub, bramble, as in Dumetia hyperythra, the Tawny-bellied Babbler
Pavoninus is Latin for resembling a peacock
62
 E L AT A

Eisentrauti EY-zen-trout-eye
After Martin Eisentraut, German zoologist and collector, as in
Melignomon eisentrauti, the Yellow-footed Honeyguide

Eatoni EE-ton-eye E l a c h u S ee-LAK-us

After Alfred Eaton, English explorer and naturalist, Greek, elach, small, as in Dendropicos elachus, the
as in Anas eatoni, Eatons Pintail Little Gray Woodpecker

Eburnea ee-BUR-nee-a Elaenia eh-LEEN-ee-a

Ebume, ivory, as in Pagophila eburnea, the Ivory Gull Greek, elaeo, olive, olive oil, as in Elaenia parvirostris,
the Small-billed Elaenia, a tyrant flycatcher
Ecaudatus eh-kaw-D A-tus
E-, without, and caudata, tail, as in Myiomis ecaudatus, Elanoides el-a-N O r-deez
the Short-tailed Pygmy Tyrant, with a stub of a tail; it is also Elanus, kite, and Greek, eidos, like, resemble, as in Elanoides
the smallest passerine (songbird) in the world forficatus, the Swallow-tailed Kite

Ectopistes ek-toe-PIS-teez Elanus eh-LAN -us

Greek, ectopistes, wanderer, as in Ectopistes migratorius, the extinct Elanus, kite, as in Elanus leucurus, the White-tailed Kite,
Passenger Pigeon, the common name coming from French settlers whose common name derives from the string-held toy
who called the bird “Pigeon de passage” pigeon of passage
Elaphrus ee-LAF-rus
Edwardsi ED-wards-eye Greek, elaphros, light in weight, as in Aerodramus elaphrus,
Probably after George Edwards, an English naturalist and the Seychelles Swiftlet
ornithologist, the “father of British ornithology,” as in Bangsia
edwardsi, the Moss-backed Tanager Elata,-us ee-LAY-ta/tus
Elat, high, lofty, as in Ceratogymna elata, the Yellow-casqued
Edwards ii ed-W ARDS-ee-eye Hornbill
After Alphonse Milne-Edwards, a renowned French naturalist,
as in Carpodacus edwardsii, the Dark-rumped Rosefinch
Ectopistes migratorius,
Egertoni EJ-er-ton-eye Passenger Pigeon
After Sir Philip Egerton, an English paleontologist and
member of the House of Commons, as in Actinodura egertoni,
the Rusty-fronted Barwing

Egregia ee-GREE-gee-a
Egregia, distinguished, as in Crex egregia, the African Crake.
The species name may refer to its upright distinguished posture
and crake after its call

Egretta ee-G RET-ta

Old French, aigrette, a kind of heron, as in Egretta vinaceigula,
the Slaty Egret. There is no biological difference between herons
and egrets

Eichhorni IKE-horn-eye
After Alfred Eichhorn, an Australian farmer, as in Philemon
eichhorni, the New Ireland Friarbird

63
ELECT RO N

Electron ee-LEK-tron
Greek, electr-, amber, electricity, as in Electron platyrhynchum,
the Broad-billed Motmot; refers to the color of the head and chest,
while Motmot derives from the call

Elegans E L-le-ganz
Elegantem, choice, fine, tasteful, as in Pitta elegans, the Elegant Pitta,
and about 20 other species’ names

Elegantissima eb-le-gan-TISS-see-ma
Very elegant, as in Euphonia elegantissima, the Elegant or
Blue-headed Euphonia

Eleonorae el-lee-o-NOR-ee
After Eleanor of Arborea, national heroine of Sardinia,
as in Falco eleonorae, Eleonoras Falcon
Empidonax em-pi-D ON-aks
Ellioti, ~ii EL-lee-ot-eye/el-lee-OT-ee-eye Greek, empis, gnat, mosquito, and anax, king, as in Empidonax
After Daniel Elliot, Curator of Zoology at the Field Museum in flaviventris, the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. There are about
Chicago, as in Syrmaticus ellioti, Elliots Pheasant 15 Empidonax species, many of which are difficult to tell apart,
often called “empids” by birdwatchers
Elseyornis el-see-OR-nis
After Joseph Elsey, English surgeon, explorer, and naturalist, and Empidonomus em -pi-D O N -o-m us
Greek, omis, bird, as in Elseyornis melanops, the Black-fronted Greek, empis, gnat, mosquito, and nomas, grazing, as in
Dotterel, dotterel from Middle English, meaning stupid, silly Empidonomus varius, the Variegated Flycatcher

Emberiza em -be-RYE-za Empidornis em-pi-D OR-nis

Swiss-German, emmeritz, bunting, as in Emberiza cia, the Rock Greek, empis, gnat, mosquito, and omis, bird, as in Empidornis
Bunting; there is no clear etymology for bunting semipartitus, the Silverbird

Emberizoides em -ber-ih-ZO Y-deez Endomychura en-do-my-KOO-ra

Swiss-German, emmeritz, bunting, and Greek, oid, like, resembling, Greek, endo, inner, mycbo, inward, and oura, tail, as in Endomychura
as in Emberizoidesypiranganus, the Lesser Grass Finch (now Synthliborampbus) hypoleucus, the Guadalupe Murrelet,
alluding to the very short tail
Emblema em -BLEM -a
Inlaid ornamental work, as in Emblema Enganensis en-ga-NEN-sis
pictum, the Painted Finch After Enggano Island, Indonesia, as in Otus enganensis,
the Enggano Scops Owl

Pitta elegans, Enigma eh-N IG -m a

Elegant Pitta Puzzle, mystery, as in Todirampbus enigma, the Talaud
Kingfisher, of the Taulaud Islands, Indonesia

Enodes ee-NO-deez
Smooth, as in Enodes erythrophris, the Fiery-browed Starling,
with very smooth plumage

Ensifera en-si-FER-a
Ensi, sword, andfer, to bear, as in Ensifera ensifera, the
Sword-billed Hummingbird

64
 ERE M [ O R N I S

Ensipennis en-si-PEN- nis * Epulata eh-poo-LAT-a

Ensi, sword, and pennis, feather, wing, as in Campylopterus Epul, feast, and at a, full, as in Muscicapa epulata, the Little
ensipennis, the White-tailed Sabrewing Gray Flycatcher

Entomodestes en-toe-m o-D ES-teez Eques EH -kw eez

Greek, entomo, insect, and edest, eater, as in Entomodestes coracinus, A horseman, knight, as in Myzomela eques, the Ruby-throated
the Black Solitaire Myzomela

Enucleator ee-noo-clee-AH-tor Erckelii er-KEL-ee-eye

E-, without, and nucleator, nucleus or seed, as in Pinicola enucleator, After Theodor Erckel, a German taxidermist, as in
the Pine Grosbeak, which extracts seeds from pine cones Ptemistis erckelii, Erckels Francolin

E o l o p h u S ee-o-LO-fus Eremalauda eh-rem -a-LA W -da

Greek, eo, dawn, early, and Latin, lophus, crest, as in Eolophus Greek, eremos, a lonely place, and Latin, alauda, lark, as in
roseicapilla, the Galah; galah is derogatory Australian slang, meaning Eremalauda dunni, Dunn’s Lark, often found in remote desert areas
fool or idiot
Eremiornis eh-rem-ee-OR-nis
Eophona ee-o-FONE-a Greek, eremos, a lonely place, and omis, bird, as in Eremiornis
Greek, eo, dawn, early, andphon, sound, voice, as in Eophona (now Megalurus) carteri, the Spinifexbird, Spinifex being a genus
personata, the Japanese Grosbeak of grasses in which the bird nests

Eopsaltria ee-op-SAL-tree-a
Greek, eo, dawn, early, and psalter, female lyre player, as in Upupa epops,
Eopsaltria australis, the Eastern Yellow Robin Eurasian Hoopoe

E O S EE-os
Greek, eo, dawn, early, as in Eos histrio, the Red-and-blue Lory;
apparently refers to both the bright red plumage and eastern
Indonesia distribution (Eos in reference to the sun rising in the east)

Ej3cltllcttcl eh-paw-LET-ta
French, epaulette, shoulder ornament, as in Pyrrhoplectes epauletta,
the Golden-naped Finch

Epichlorus eh-pi-K LO R -us

Greek, epi-, on, over, and chloro-, green, as in Urolais epichlorus,
the Green Longtail

Epimachus ep-ih-M AK -us

Greek, epimakos, ready for batde, as in Epimachus meyeri,
the Brown Sicklebill

Episcopus eh-PIS-ko-pus
Episcopus, an overseer or bishop, as in Ciconia episcopus,
the Woolly-necked Stork or Bishop Stork, because it resembles
a religious entity with its white collar

E p O p S E E -pops
Greek, epops, hoopoe, as in Upupa epops, the Eurasian Hoopoe;
the common name comes from its call

65
ER EM I TA

Eremita eh-n-Mma Erlangeri er-LAN-ger-eye

Eremita, hermit, as in Geronticus eremita, the Northern After Carol von Erlanger, German collector, as in Calandrella
Bald Ibis or Hermit Ibis erlangeri, Erlanger s Lark

Eremomela eh - rem - o -M E L-a Erolia eh-ROL -ee-a

Greek, eremos, a lonely place, and melo, song, as in Eremomela From erolie, a word made up by French ornithologist Vieillot,
pusilla, the Senegal Eremomela definition unclear, as in Erolia (now Calidris) maritima,
the Purple Sandpiper
Eremophila eh-re-mo-FIL-a
Greek, eremos, a lonely place, andphilia, love, as in Eremophila Erythrauchen eh-n-THRAw-ken
alpestris, the Horned or Shore Lark Greek, erythros, red, and auchen, the neck, throat, as in Accipiter
erythrauchen, the Rufous-necked Sparrowhawk
Ereunetes eh-re-un-EET-eez
Greek, ereunetes, prober, as in Ereunetes (now Calidris)pusilla, ErythrillUS eh-ri-TH RY-nus
the Semipalmated Sandpiper, which probes for invertebrates on Greek, erythros, red, and Latin -inns, pertaining to, as in Carpodacus
the streamside and whose toes are only partially webbed erythrinus, the Common Rosefinch

Erithacus eh-ri-TH AK -us Erythrocephala, -us eh-rith-ro-se-FAL-a/us

Robin, as in Erithacus rubecula, the European Robin Greek, erythros, red, and Latin, cephala, head, as in Myzomela
erythrocephala, the Red-headed Myzomela

Erythrocercum, -us eh-rith -ro-SIR -kum /kus

Greek, erythros, red and cerco, tail, as in Philydor erythrocercum,
the Rufous-rumped Foliage-gleaner

Erythrochlamys eh-rith-ro-K LAM -is

Greek, erythros, red, chlamys, cloak, as in Calendulauda
erythrochlamys, the Dune Lark; some races have a rufous wash
to the upper parts

Erythrocnemis eh-rith-rok-N EM -is

Greek, erythros, red, and kneme, leg, as in Pomatorhinus
erythrocnemis, the Black-necklaced Scimitar Babbler, with
rusty-colored thigh feathers

Erythrogaster, -trus eh-rith-ro-G AS-ter/trus

Greek, erythros, red,gaster, belly, as in Laniarius erythrogaster,
the Black-headed Gonolek, with a bright chest and abdomen

Erythrogenys eh-rith-ro-JEN-is
Greek, erythros, red, andgenys, jaw, as in Psittacara erythrogenys,
the Red-masked Parakeet

Erythrogonys eh-rith-ro-G O N -is

Greek, erythros, red, andgony, knee, as in Erythrogonys cinctus,
the Red-kneed Dotterel

Pomatorhinus erythrocnemis,
Black-necklaced Scimitar Babbler
 Erithacus
T
here are many birds Erithacus rubecula,
called robins—bush- European Robin
robins, forest-robins,
magpie-robins, and thrushes Canary Islands Robin,
like the American Robin, which has a white eye ring
Turdus migratorius, and that the European popula­
Rufous-collared Robin, tion does not possess.
T. rufitorques, most with The Japanese Robin,
the familiar red breast, and E. akahige, is found in China,
the Flame Robin, Petroica Japan, Korea, Thailand,
phoenicea. But unlike E. rubecula, Vietnam, and Russia, and has an orange head rather than
the European Robin, they are not atually in the genus breast, and the Ryukyu Robin, E. komadori, with an
Erithacus {eh-ri-THAK-us), a Latin word meaning orange crown, nape, back, and tail, is restricted to the
robin and presumably referring to the European Nansei Shoto archipelago ofJapan.
Robin. Once thought to be a thrush, it is now All the Erithacus birds are woodland species,
considered an Old World Flycatcher, specifically a although the European Robin is common in British
chat. There are several myths and folktales explaining gardens where it follows gardeners tilling the soil in
the red breast. One says it came from the blood of search of invertebrates. Being small birds these robins
Christ when the bird pulled a thorn out of his crown. have a high mortality rate, especially when young,
Another says that the bird saved a father and son on a and have an average life span of just over one year.
cold night by fanning the flames of a fire with its
wings. The bird’s breast is orange-colored rather than Erithacus komadori,
red, but orange was not a known color until the Ryukyu Robin
sixteenth century.
The Ryukyu Robin is found only in the Nansei Shoto
The name robin comes from the fifteenth archipelago between southern Japan and Taiwan, sometimes
century and perhaps earlier, shortened from Robin called the Galapagos o f the Western Pacific.
Redbreast or Robin Goodfellow, but it was not
applied to the European songbird until the mid­
eighteenth century. Today the name applies to
people, airplanes, ships, and fictional characters.
There are only three species in the genus Erithacus,
the other two being E. akahige, the Japanese Robin,
and E. komadori, the Ryukyu Robin.
The European Robin ranges from northern
Scandinavia to northern Africa; there are different
populations that vary somewhat in coloration and
are considered subspecies. The most different is the
67
ERYT H RO LE U C A

Erythroptera eh-nth-ROP-ter-a
Greek, erythros, red, andpteron, wing, as in Prinia erythroptera,
the Red-winged Prinia

Erythropus eh-rith-RO -pus

Greek, erythros, red, and pous, foot, as in Accipiter erythropus,
the Red-thighed Sparrowhawk

Erythropygia, -us eh-rith-ro-piH-jee-a/us

Greek, erythros, red, and puge, rump, as in Stumia erythropygia,
the White-headed Starling

Erythrorhyncha, -chos eh-n th - ro -RIN -ka/kos

Greek, erythros, red, and Latin, rhynchus, bill, as in
Anas erythrorhyncha, the Red-billed Teal

Erythrothorax eh-ruh-n-THOR-aks
Greek, erythros, red, and thorax, breast, as in Dicaeum erythrothorax,
the Flame-breasted Flowerpecker

Erythrura, 'U S eh-rith-RO O -ra/rus

Erythroleuca eh-rith-ro-LOY-ka Greek, erythros, red, and oura, tail, as in Erythrura viridifacies,
Greek, erythros, red, and leuca, white, as in Grallaria erythroleuca, the Green-faced Parrotfinch
the Red-and-white Antpitta
Estrilda es-TRIL-da
Erythrolophus eh-rith-ro-LO -fus Derivation perhaps from the German Wellenastrild, the Waxbill,
Greek, erythros, red, and lophus, crest, as in Tauraco erythrolophus, as in Estrilda atricapilla, the Black-headed Waxbill
the Red-crested Turaco
E u c h l o r t l S you-K LO R-us
Erythromelas eh-rith-ro-MEL-as Greek eu, well or good, and chlor-o, green, as in Passer euchlorus,
Greek, erythros, red, and melas, black, as in Myzomela erythromelas, the Arabian Golden Sparrow (yellow with a greenish hue)
the Black-bellied Myzomela, with a red head
Eudocimus you -D O E si-m u s
Erythronotos, -us, -a eb-rith-n-No-tos/tus/u Greek eu, well or good, and docimus, excellent, of good repute, as in
Greek, erythros, red, and noto, back or south, as in Estrilda Eudocimus albus, the American White Ibis, with a stately appearance
erythronotos, the Black-faced Waxbill. The species name is a
misnomer as it is the lower abdomen and rump that are reddish Eudromia you-DRO M -ee-a
Greek, eu, well or good, and dromos, running, a race, as in Eudromia
Erythrophthalma, -us eh-nth -ro-THAL-ma/mus elegans, the Elegant Crested Tinamou, a good runner and poor flier
Greek, erythros, red, and ophthalmos, the eye, as in Netta
erythrophthalma, the Southern Pochard; males have red eyes Eudynamys you-DY-na-mus
Greek, eu, well or good, and dynam, power, energy, as in Eudynamys
Erythropleura eh-rith-ro-PLUR-* scolopaceus, the Asian Koel; Koel is onomatopoeic
Greek, erythros, red, and pleura, side, ribs, as in Ptiloprora
erythropleura, the Rufous-sided Honeyeater Eugenes you-JEN -eez
Greek, eu, well or good, andgenos, birth, as in Eugenesfulgens,
Erythrops eh-Ri-throps the Magnificent Hummingbird; refers to its size and
Greek, erythros, red and ops, the face, as in Quelea erythrops, magnificent coloration
the Red-headed Quelea

68
 EU RY PYGA

Eugralla you-GRAL-u Eurocephalus you-ro-se-FAL-us

Greek, eu, well or good, and Latin,gralla, stilts, as in Eugralla Greek, euro, broad, and Latin, cephala, head, as in Eurocephalus
paradoxa, the Ochre-flanked Tapaculo, with long legs rueppelli, the White-rumped Shrike, with a large head characteristic
of shrikes
Eulabeornis you-la-be-O R-nis
Greek, eulab, wary, cautious, and ornis, bird, as in Eulabeornis E l i r O p a C a you-ro-PEE-a
castaneoventris, the Chestnut Rail Europe, as in Sitta europaea, the Eurasian Nuthatch

Euleri YOU-ler-eye Euryceros you-ri-siR-os

After Carl Euler, Swiss Counsel in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as in Greek, euro, broad, and cera, horn, as in Eurycerosprevostii,
Coccyzus euleri, the Pearly-breasted Cuckoo the Helmet Vanga

Eulophotes you-lo-FO E-teez Eurylaimus you-ri-L IE -m us

Greek, eu, well or good, and Latin, lophus, crest, as in Egretta Greek, euro, broad, and laimos, throat, as in Eurylaimusjavanicus, the
eulophotes, the Chinese Egret Banded Broadbill

Eumyias you-M Y-yas Eurynorhynchus you-ri-no-R IN K -us

Greek, eu, well or good, and muia, fly, as in Eumyias indigo, Greek, euryno, widen, and Latin, rhynchus, bill, as in Eurynorhynchus
the Indigo Flycatcher pygmeus, the Spoon-billed Sandpiper

Euodice you-O-di-see Euryptila you-rip-riL-*

Greek, eu, well or good, and odi, song, as in Euodice cantans, Greek, euro, broad, andptila, feather, as in Euryptila
the African Silverbell subcinnamomea, the Cinnamon-breasted Warbler

Euphagus you-FAY-gus Eurypyga you-ri-PI-ga

Greek, eu, well or good, andphagein, to eat, as in Euphagus Greek, euro, broad, andpuge, rump, as in Eurypyga helias,
cyanocephalus, Brewers Blackbird, an omnivore the Sunbittern

Eupherusa you-fer-OO -sa Egretta eulophotes,

Greek, eu, well or good, and pher, to bear, as in Eupherusa Chinese Egret
nigriventris, the Black-bellied Hummingbird, most likely in reference
to its bearing or posture

Euphonia you-FO N E-ee-a

Greek, eu, well or good, andphon, sound or voice, as in Euphonia
plumbea, the Plumbeous Euphonia

Euplectes you-PLEK -teez

Greek, eu, well or good, and plectos, twisted or braided, as in Euplectes
afer, the Yellow-crowned Bishop; the genus name refers to the birds
complex braided nest construction

E i i p o d a you-PO -da
Greek, eu, well or good, andpous, foot, as in Eupoda
(now Charadrius) montanus, the Mountain Plover

Euptilotis youp-til-O -tis

Greek, eu, well or good,ptilon, feather, and otis, ear, as in Euptilotis
neoxenus, the Eared Quetzal

69
EURYST O M US

L A T I N I N A C T I O N
Eurystomus you-ri-STO -m us
Greek, euro, broad, and stomus, mouth, as in Eurystomus orientalis,
the Oriental Dollarbird, which has a broad bill
Newtons Parakeet is extinct. In 1872 a female was
collected and two years later a male; these are the
Everetti EV-ver-et-tye
After Alfred Everett, a British administrator and collector in the
specimens from which the species was described East Indies, as in Rhyticeros everetti, Sumba Hornbill
and are the only ones in existence.The parakeet
once inhabited the small island of Rodrigues, part Eversmanni E H -verz-m an-nye
of the Republic of Mauritius and located in the After Alexander Eversmann, a Russian lepidopterist, as in Columba
Indian Ocean about 350 kilometers east of eversmanni, Yellow-eyed Pigeon
Mauritius. Small islands are biologically fragile and
extinction rates are much higher than on larger Ewingii you-W IN G -ee-eye
islands, but all islands are more ecologically After Thomas Ewing, Australian teacher, naturalist, and collector,
unstable than the mainland. Perhaps the most as in Acanthiza ewingii, the Tasmanian Thornhill
famous island extinction is that of the Dodo,
Raphus cucullatus, on Mauritius in 1690. Another
Excalfactoria eks-kal-fak-TOR-ee-a
Ex, out of, cal, heat, andfactoria, place of production, because
parakeet, the Echo Parakeet, Psittacula eques, was Chinese used these birds as hand-warmers, as in Excalfactoria
represented by only three pairs in the 1980s; chinensis, the King Quail
today, there are around 500. Lifting endemic
species such as the Mauritius Kestrel, Falco Excubitor eks-KOO -bi-tor
punctatus, Pink Pigeon, Nesoenas mayeri, Rodrigues Sentinel, watchman, from excubare, out of doors, as in Lanius
Warbler, Acrocephalus rodericanus, Rodrigues Fody, excubitor, the Northern or Great Gray Shrike, well known for
Foudia flavicans, and Echo Parakeet from the brink watching from high vantage points
of extinction, Mauritius became the most
successful country in the world at ExiliS eks-IL-is
Small, delicate, as in Psaltria exilis, the Pygmy Bushtit
saving endangered species.
Eximia, -us, -um ex-IM -ee-a/us/um
Exceptional or uncommon, as in Buthraupis eximia, the
Black-chested Mountain Tanager

Explorator eks-PLOR-at-or
Explorer, investigator, as in Zosterops explorator, the Fiji White-eye

ExSltl EK S-ool
Exsula, stranger, exile, as in Psittacula exsul, the extinct Newtons
Parakeet, endemic to the island of Rodrigues, Indian Ocean

Externa eks-TURN-a
Outside, external, as in Pterodroma externa, the Juan Fernandez
Petrel. This bird breeds only on an island off the coast of Chile

Exustus eks-US-tus
Exust, burned up, consumed, as in Pterocles exustus, the Chestnut-
Psittacula exsul, bellied Sandgrouse; may refer to the fact that this bird lives in very
Newton’s Parakeet hot dry, environments

70
 FASC IIN U C H A

F
Fabalis / u-bal-u
Faba, bean, as in Anser fabalis, the Taiga Bean Goose, the common
name probably from its habit of grazing in bean fields

Falcata, -us fa l-K A -ta /tu s

Falcis, sickle, as in Anas falcata, the Falcated Duck, with its
sickle-shaped tertiary feathers

Falcinellus/*/ -sin-EL-lus
Falcis, sickle, as in Limicola falcinellus, the Broad-billed Sandpiper,
perhaps for its downcurved bill tip

Falcipennis fai-si-PEN-ms
Falcis, sickle, and penna, feather, as in Falcipennisfalcipennis,
the Siberian Grouse, from its swept-back wings in flight Sporophila falcirostris,
Temminck's Seedeater
Falcirostr is fai-si-Ross-tris
Falcis, sickle, and rostris, beak, bill, as in Sporophilafalcirostris,
Temmincks Seedeater
Familiaris, -efi -mil-ee-AR-is/-ee
Falco FAL-ko Familia, family, household, as in Certhiafamiliaris, the
Curved blade, sickle, as in Falco concolor, the Sooty Falcon, Eurasian Treecreeper
with a hooked beak
Famosa fam -O S-a
V z l c x A z x 'm S fa l-koo-L A R -ee-us Fama, reputation, tradition, as in Nectarinia famosa,
Falcis, sickle, and -arius, pertaining to, as in Campylorhamphus the Malachite Sunbird
falcularius, the Black-billed Scythebill
Fanny, FAN-nee/neye
YA c\x\tZfal-K O O L -ee-a After Francis “Fanny” Wilson, wife of collector Edward Wilson,
Falcis, sickle, as in Falculea palliata, the Sickle-billed Vanga as in Myrtisfannyi, the Purple-collared Woodstar

Falkensteini FAL-ken-stine-eye Fasciata, -U S fas-ehe-A H -ta/tus

After Johann Falkenstein, German surgeon and collector, as in Banded, as in Atticorafasciata, the White-banded Swallow
Chlorocichlafalkensteini, Falkenstein s Greenbul
Fasciatoventris fas-see-a-toe-VEN-tris
Falklandicus fa ik-L A N D -ih -ku s Fascia, band, and ventris, belly, as in Pheugopediusfasciatoventris,
After the Falkland Islands, as in Charadriusfalklandicus, the Black-bellied Wren
the Two-banded Plover
F a S C i i c a i l d a fas-see-eye-XAPV-da
Fallax FAL-U ks Fascia, band, and cauda, tail, as in Piprafasciicauda, the
Fallac, deceptive, as in Leucippusfallax, the Buffy Hummingbird, Band-tailed Manakin
deceptive probably because of its unusually dull color for a
hummingbird Fasciinucha fas-see-eye-NO O-ka
Fascia, band, and nucha, nape, as in Falcofasciinucha, the
Taita Falcon, of the Taita Hills of Kenya

71
 Fa l c o

T
here are 37 species of birds Falco peregrinus,
comprising the genus Falco Peregrine Falcon
(.Fal-ko), the falcons, from the
Latin falx, curved blade, sickle. Kestrel comes from the
They may be so named for their French crecerelle, rattle,
talons, their curved beak, or the apparently from their call. The
shape of their outspread wings. American Kestrel (F. sparverius,
While hawks and falcons share Latin for sparrowhawk) ranges
some features, they are in throughout the Americas from
different families: hawks and Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.
eagles are in Accipitridae and Then there are the hobbies,
falcons in Falconidae. Falcons between the peregrine group
differ from hawks in that they and kestrels in size and dark
are often smaller, with longer, gray in color. More aerial than
thinner wings, and a tooth-like the kestrels, they take small
notch on the bill. Falcons birds and large insects in
typically catch their prey in mid-air while hawks flight. The Eurasian Hobby is found throughout
tend to snatch up their food items from the ground. that region. Its scientific designation is
The Peregrine Falcon (F. peregrinus, Latin for F. subbuteo (Latin sub, near to, and buteo, buzzard)
wanderer) is reputed to be able to exceed 185 miles and hobby comes from the Old French hobet,
(300 kilometers) per hour in a dive. Falcons are meaning falcon and referring to its flight—up and
widely distributed, but the Peregrine is the most down (like a hobby horse).
widespread, found almost everywhere between the As with most raptors (a bird of prey, such as
polar regions except high mountains, deserts, and hawks and owls) females are usually larger than the
tropical areas. The Barbary Falcon, looking a lot males. They lay eggs that hatch asynchronously
like the Peregrine, is named F. pelegri- because incubation usually begins after the first
noides, Latin pelegrinus, meaning egg is laid, so the chicks are of different sizes
Peregrine Falcon, and the Greek as they develop. In times of food scarcity,
suffix -oides, meaning resembling. the first-born chicks survive because
Kestrels are another Falco they are bigger and better at
subgroup. They are smaller than begging for food.
the peregrine group, and,
unlike most falcons, sexually Falco amurensis,
dimorphic. Relatively colorful, Amur Falcon
they tend to hover and dive on
The Amur Falcon has a round-trip
their bird or mammal prey migratory journey o f 14,000 miles
rather than catch it mid-air. from southern Africa to Asia each year.

72
 FI C ED U LA

V z S C U V e n t C r fis-see-eye-VE N -U r Ferox FER-oks

Fascia, band, and ventris, belly, as in Melaniparusfasciiventer, Fierce, as in Myiarchusferox, the Short-crested Flycatcher
the Stripe-breasted Tit
Ferreorostris/fr -ree-o-ROSS-tris
Fasciogularis/ii-see-o-goo-LAR-is Ferro, iron, and rostris, bill, as in Carpodacusferreorostris,
Fascia, band, and gularis, throat, as in Gavicalisfasciogularis, the Bonin Grosbeak

i Ferro,
the Mangrove Honeyeater
Ferreus FER-ree -us
Fasciolata, “IIS fas-see-o-LAT-a/us iron, as in Saxicolaferreus, the Gray Bush Chat; refers to the
Fasciat-, banded, as in Craxfasciolata, the Bare-faced Curassow male birds iron-colored plumage

Fastuosa fas-to-o-s* Ferruginea, -us fc r-r o o -jm -u -a /u s

Fastuosus, proud, haughty, as in Tangarafastuosa, the Seven-colored Rust-colored, as in Muscicapaferruginea, the Ferruginous Flycatcher
Tanager, aptly named for its spectacular plumage
Ferrugineifrons fer-roo-jin-ee-E YE-fronz
Feae f a y -ee Ferrugineus, rust-colored, andfrons, forehead, as in Bolborhynchus
After Leonardo Fea, Italian naturalist, as in Turdusfeae, ferrugineifrons, the Rufous-fronted Parakeet
the Gray-sided Thrush
Y c T Y U g m C Y p C C tX lS fe r-ro o -jin -e e -e y e -P E K -tu s
Featherstoni FE-ther-stone-eye Ferrugineus, rust-colored, and pectus, breast, as in Grallaricula
After Earl Featherston, a superintendent of the province of ferrugineipectus, the Rusty-breasted Antpitta
Wellington, New Zealand, as in Phalacrocoraxfeatherstoni,
the Pitt Shag or Featherstone s Shag V c ttU g in d iX C n tT C fe r -r o o -jin -e e -e y e -V E N -tr e e
Ferrugineus, rust-colored, and ventr, belly, as in Conirostrum
Fedoa fe-D O E -a ferrugineiventre, the White-browed Conebill
After an old name for the godwit, as in Limosa fedoa, the
Marbled Godwit | Festiva/«-r££-va
Festive, holiday mood, as in Amazona festiva, the Festive Amazon
Felix FEE-liks
Happy, blessed, fertile, as in Pheugopediusfelix, Ficedula fee-se-D O O -U
the Happy Wren, probably from its song Small bird, fig-pecker, as in Ficedula hypoleuca, the European
Pied Flycatcher
Femoralis fe-m or-A H -lis
Femur, thigh, as in Falcofemoralis, the Aplomado Falcon,
with reddish thighs, distinct from the rest of its plumage
Pheugopedius felix,
Ferina / c-r e e n -u Happy Wren
Game, flesh of wild animals, as in Aythyaferina,
the Common Pochard, probably so named because it
once was commonly eaten

Y c X m i m Z fa ir-M IN -ee-a
After Fermin Cervera, Spanish soldier and naturalist,
as in Ferminia cerverai, the Zapata Wren

Fernandensis /«■ -nan-D EN-sis

After the Juan Fernandez Islands off Chile, as in Sephanoides
fernandensis, the Juan Fernandez Firecrown

73
FI G U LU S

Flammea, -us, -olus

F LA M -m e-a/us/F LA M -m e-o-lus
Flamme-, flame-colored, as in Acanthisflammea,
the Common Redpoll

Flammiceps FLAM-mi-seps
Flammeus, flame-colored, and ceps, head, as in Cephalopyrus
flammiceps, the Fire-capped Tit;flammiceps redundant as
Cephalopyrus also means flame-colored head

Flammigeras fiam-mi-jER-us
Flammeus, flame-colored, andgero-, to carry, bear, as in
Ramphocelusflammigerus, the Flame-rumped Tanager

Flammulatus, 'c l flam -m oo-L A -tus/ta

Little flame, as in Megabyasflammulatus,
Figulus fi-Goo-ius the African Shrike-flycatcher
Potter, earthenware maker, fromfingere, transform, as in Furnarius
figulus, the Band-tailed Hornero, that builds oven-shaped nests. Flava FLA-va
Hornero comes from the Spanish homo, meaning oven Flavus, yellow, as in Motacillaflava, the Western Yellow Wagtail

Filicauda fl-u -K A iv -d a Flavala Jla-VAL-a

Fili, thread, and cauda, tail, as in Piprafilicauda, the Flavus, yellow, and ala, wing, as in Hemixosflavala, the Ashy Bulbul
Wire-tailed Manakin
Flaveola, -lus flav-ee-O -la/lus
Fimbriata, -um flm -bree-A H -ta/tum Flavus, yellow, as in Coerebaflaveola, the Bananaquit
Fimbri-, fringe, fibers, as in Coracinafimbriata, the Lesser
Cuckooshrike, with white fringes on its flight feathers

Finschi, -ii FINCH-eye/ee-eye

After Friedrich Finsch, a German ethnographer and naturalist,
as in Scleroptilafinschi, Finsch’s Francolin

Fischeri FISH -er-eye

After Gustav Fischer, German explorer, as in Agapomisfischeri,
Fischer s Lovebird

Fistulator fiss-too-LA-tor
Fistulare, one who plays the reed-pipe, as in Ceratogymna
(now Bycanistes)fistulator, the Piping Hornbill, probably
describing its call

Fiabelliformis fla-bei-u-FORM-u
Flabellum, small fan, andform-, shape, as in
Cacomantisfiabelliformis, the Fan-tailed Cuckoo

Flagrans F L A r-g ranz

Burning, blazing, fiery, as in Aethopygaflagrans,
the Flaming Sunbird
 F I. A V 1 P R Y M N A

Flavescens FLAV-es-senz
L AT I N IN A C T I O N
Flavescere, becoming golden, yellow, as in Celeusflavescens,
the Blond-crested Woodpecker

Flavicans FLAv-ib-kanz There are over 200 species of woodpecker, found

all over the world except Australia, New Guinea,
Flavere, being golden or yellow-colored, as in Priniaflavicans,
the Black-chested Prinia, with yellow underparts and Madagascar.They belong to the family Picidae,
which also includes sapsuckers, wrynecks, piculets,
Flavicapilla fiav-ih-ka-piL-u flamebacks, and flickers.The Greater Yellownape,
Flavus, yellow, and capilla, hair, as in Xenopipoflavicapilla, Chrysophlegma flavinucha, has a very large range
the Yellow-headed Manakin across Asia. In Roman mythology, Picus was a
handsome king but when the witch Circe tried to
Flaviceps FLAV-ih-seps seduce him she turned him into a woodpecker for
Flavus, yellow, and ceps, head, as in Auriparusflaviceps, the Verdin, his apparent ability to interpret bird omens.
with a yellow face and head Woodpeckers have zygodactyl (Greek for
Flavicollis fia v -ih -K o i-U s
yoke-finger) feet, meaning two toes face forward
and two backward, in a sort of X pattern, and their
Flavus, yellow, and collis, neck, as in Yuhinaflavicollis,
the Whiskered Yuhina, with both an orange and yellow collar tail feathers are stiff.These two adaptations allow
the woodpecker to lean back and prop itself
Flavifrons F L A V-ih-fronz against a tree while it pounds away at the bark.
Flavus, yellow, andflons, forehead, as in Melanerpesflavifrons, Special adaptations of the head and neck prevent
the Yellow-fronted Woodpecker injury to the bird while it uncovers food under tree
bark, excavates nests holes, or even hammers on
Flavigaster, -ogaster metal posts in order to announce its territory.
flav-ih-G A S-ter/flav-o-G A S-ter
Flavus, yellow, anAgaster, stomach, as in Hyliotaflavigaster,
the Yellow-bellied Hyliota

Flavigula, -aris
flav-ih-G O O -la/flav-ih-goo-L A R -is
Flavus, yellow, and gula, throat, as in Crithagraflavigula,
the Yellow-throated Seedeater

Flavinucha jia v - ih - m o - k a
Flavus, yellow, and nucha, nape, as in Chrysophlegmaflavinucha,
the Greater Yellownape

Flavipennis fia v-ih -P E N -n u

Flavus, yellow, and pennis, feather or wing, as in Chloropsis
flavipennis, the Philippine Leafbird. Although mostly green, there are
yellow fringes on the primary feathers

Flavipes fia v - ip -eez

Flavus, yellow, and pes, foot, as in Tringaflavipes, the
Lesser Yellowlegs

Flaviprymna fia-vi-PRiM-na
Flavus, yellow, and Greek,prumnos, rear end, as in Lonchura
flaviprymna, the Yellow-rumped Mannikin

75
 C h r istia n Jo uanin
(b . 1925)

C
hristian Jouanin, born in Paris in 1925, is a In 1955 Jouanin published his first species
well-known and respected ornithologist whose description. Studying the Mascarene Petrel,
specialty is petrels. At the age of 15 he began work Pseudobulweria aterrima, he found that this species
at the National Museum of Natural History under was actually two species. He described and split oft
the supervision of Jacques Berlioz, the head of what is now named Jouanin s Petrel, Bulweriafallax.
the Department of Ornithology at the museum. Both species are very rare and critically endangered.
Later he worked with Jean Dorst, president of the Continuing work on theMascarene Petrel, which may
16th International Ornithological Congress, who be very close to extinction, he discovered yet another
followed Berlioz as the head of the department. new species, Barau’s Petrel, which he found breeding in
Jouanin and Dorst wrote the species description for the French territory of Reunion Island in the Indian
the rare Djibouti Francolin, Pternistis ochropectus, Ocean. The name Barau is after Armand Barau, an
whose type specimen they brought to the museum. agricultural engineer and ornithologist from Reunion.
Its specific epithet comes from the Greek, ochros, This petrel is one of the most recently discovered
the color ocher, and the Latin,pectus, breast. species of seabird, not described until 1964, although
Today there is some question about the species it had been long known to the local inhabitants of
status of this bird because it is very closely related the island. Jouanin also discovered differences in the
to other francolins and intermediate in both populations of Audubon’s Shearwaters in the
location and anatomy to other species. Seychelles and Reunion, and designated them a
subspecies. He named the Seychelles subspecies
after his wife Nicole, Puffinus bailloni nicolae.
Jouanin spent many years in the Indian Ocean,
but in 1963 he launched studies on seabirds of the
Atlantic Ocean when he joined Francis Roux on an
expedition to the Savage Islands. Then he went on to
collect specimens and data on Cory’s Shearwater,
Calonectris borealis, in the waters around Madeira with
Alex Zino, a Portuguese ornithologist; Zino’s Petrel,
Pterodroma madeira, is named for this colleague.

Diomedea exulans,
Wandering Albatross

At up to I I foot 10 inches, the wingspan of the Wandering

Albatross is the longest of any bird.This albatross can stay aloft
for days by taking advantage of wind and wave currents close
to the ocean's surface.

76
 C H RIS T U N J 0 If A N I N

Jouanin is a recognized expert on the Order

Procellariformes, a group of seabirds in four
families: albatrosses, storm petrels, diving petrels,
petrels, and shearwaters. These birds, almost
exclusively pelagic and found across the world’s
oceans, are often called tubenoses because of their
tube-shaped nasal passages. Jouanin co-authored
the chapter on Procellariformes with J. L. Mougin
in Peters Check-list of the Birds of the World.
He was founder and director of the MAR
Bureau (MAR stands for the first three letters
of the word for wetlands in English, MARshes,
French, MARecages, and Spanish, MARismas), Calonectris borealis,
an organization involved with the preservation of Cory’s Shearwater
wetlands; general secretary of the French Societe Cory's Shearwater was named after Charles Cory, who
National de Protection de la Nature; vice-president collected 19,000 bird specimens and eventually became curator
of the International Union for the Conservation of ornithology at the Field Museum of Chicago.
of Nature; and member of the Permanent
Executive Committee of the International Hydrobates pelagicus,
Ornithological Committee. European Storm Petrel

"[O/seaux De La R eu nio n by Barre, Barau, and Jouanin] should be mandatory for all school

children of Reunion taking courses in geography on this magnificent island.”

Francois Vuilleumier, W ilson Bulletin (June 1999)

ELAVIRICTUS

FlavirictUS Pv-ih-RIK-tus Floriceps FWR-ih-seps

Flavus, yellow, and rictus, jaw, open mouth, as in Meliphaga Flor-, flower, and ceps, head, as in Anthocephalafloriceps,
fiavirictus, the Yellow-gaped Honeyeater the Blossomcrown

Flavirostris, -a Jlav-ih-R O SS-tris/tra Florida p-REE-da

Flavus, yellow, and rostris, bill, as in Monasaflavirostris, Floridis, flowering, as in Tangaraflorida, the Emerald Tanager
the Yellow-billed Nunbird
Floris FLO -ris
Flaviventer, -tris fia v -ih- VEN - ter/tris From Flores, an island in Indonesia, as in Treronfloris, the Flores
Flavus, yellow, and venter, underside, belly, as in Dacnisflaviventer, Green Pigeon
the Yellow-bellied Dacnis
Florisuga p r-ih-SOO-ga
Flavivertex p v-ih-vER-uks Flor, flower, and sugere, to suck, as in Florisugafusca, the Black
Flavus, yellow, and vertex, highest point, as in Myiopagisflavivertex, Jacobin, a nectar-feeding hummingbird
the Yellow-crowned Elaenia, the common name from Greek eleia,
olive, referring to its color F l u v i a t i l i s P o -v ee -a -T IL -is
Fluvialis, of a river, as in Locustellafluviatilis, the River Warbler
Flavovirens, -viridis, -virescens
flav-o-V IR -enz/flav-o-vir-ID -is/flav-o-vir-E S-sens Fluvicola p o -vi-K o -u
Flavus, yellow, and virere, to be green, as in Cblorospingusflavovirens, Fluvi, river, and cola, dwell, as in Fluvicola pica,
the Yellow-green Bush Tanager the Pied Water Tyrant

Flavus F LA -vus Foersteri FUR-ster-eye

Yellow, as in Zosteropsflavus, the greenish yellow After F. Foersteri, German botanist and collector, as in Melidectes
Javan White-eye foersteri, the Huon Melidectes, Huon after a New Guinea peninsula

Floccosus flok-K O -sus Forbesi FORBS-eye

Flocc-, a lock of wool, flake, as in Pycnoptilusfloccosus, the After Henry Forbes, a Scottish explorer and collector, as in Rallicula
Pilothird, whose species epithet may describe its loose plumage; forbesi, Forbes’s Forest Rail; also William Forbes, British anatomist,
its common name comes from its habit of following lyrebirds, collector, and zoologist, as in Charadriusforbesi, Forbes’ s Plover
taking prey that they flush
Forficatus, -a for-fi-KA-tus/u
Forficata, forked, as in Dicrurusforficatus, the Crested Drongo,
with a forked tail

Formicarius fo rm -ih -K A R -ee-us

O f the ant, as in Formicarius moniliger, the Mayan Antthrush

Formicivora, -ous fo rm -ib-si-vor-a/us

Formica, an ant, and vora, eat, devour, as in Formicivora grisea,
the Southern White-fringed Antwren

Formosa, -su.sfor-Mo-sa/sus
Formosus, beautiful, as in Sittaformosa, the Beautiful Nuthatch

Formosae p -m o -see
After Formosa, now Taiwan, as in Treronformosae,
the Whisding Green Pigeon
Sitta formosa,
Beautiful Nuthatch

79
F O R S T E NI

Forsteni FOR-sten-eye
After Eltio Forsten, Dutch botanist and collector, as in If LA T I N IN ACTION
Ducula forsteni, the White-bellied Imperial Pigeon

Forsteri FOR-ster-eye The colorful beak of the Atlantic Puffin, Fratercula

arctica, has caused it to be called a “sea parrot.”
After Johann Forster, German clergyman and naturalist,
as in Sterna,forsteri, Forster s Tern The name puffin originally meant “fatling” which
actually referred to the chicks of the Manx
Fords FOR-tis Shearwater (Puffinus p u ffin u s). Fratercula means little
Strong, powerful, as in Geospizafortis, the Medium Ground brother or little friar, referring to the way their
Finch of the Galapagos feet are held together in flight as if they were
praying. Puffins eat mostly small fish and their
Foudia FOO-dee-a strong beaks, spiny upper palates, and raspy
Mascarene name for the Fody, as in Foudia madagascariensis, tongues allow them to carry on average 10 fish at a
the Red Fody j I time. One was recorded carrying 62 fish at once!
Y r a n C C S ld iC fm n-SE S-ee-ee
After Henrietta Frances Cole, patroness of science, as in Accipiter
fancesiae, Frances’s Sparrowhawk
Fratercula
Francolinus frank-o-L E E N -us
fn -te r -K o o -u
Frater, brother, and -cula, small, as in Fratercula arctica,
Latinization of the Italianfrancolino, little hen, as in Francolinus the Atlantic Puffin (see box)
francolinus, the Black Francolin
Fregata fre-G A -ta
Frantzii F R A N T Z -ee-eye From Middle French,frigate, a small, fast ship, as in Fregata
After Alexander von Franzius, German naturalist and collector, magnificem, the Magnificent Frigatebird, with large, sail-like wings
as in Catharusfrantzii, the Ruddy-capped Nightingale-Thrush
Fregetta fre-GET-u
Fraseri, - c l, FRA Z-er-eye/a Latinized form of the English frigate, a small ship, as in
After Louis Fraser, British zoologist and collector, as in Fregetta grallaria, the White-bellied Storm Petrel
Deleomisfraseri, Frasers Sunbird

Frater FRA-ter
Brother, cousin, as in Monarchafrater, the Black-winged
Monarch, apparently because of its gregarious habits

Fratercula arctica,
Atlantic Puffin

80
 F U L M A R US

Frenatus, -a fn-NA-tus/u
Fromfrenare, to hold, curb, restrain, as in Bolemoreusfrenatus,
the Bridled Honeyeater, a reference to the face pattern, as if
wearing a bridle

Fringilla, -aris, -arius, -inus frm -jiL-u/

frin-jil-L A R -is/ee-us/frin-jil-E Y E -nus
Fringilla, finch, as in Fringilla coelebs, the Common Chaffinch,
the common name from the Old English ceaffinc, literally chaff
finch, because of its habit of eating chaff, waste grain

Fringilloides frin-pl-L O Y-deez

Fringilla, finch, and Greek, oides, resembling, as in Dolospingus
fringilloides, the White-naped Seedeater

Frontales fron-T A L -eez

Frons, the forehead, brow, as in Cinclidiumfrontale,
the Blue-fronted Robin

Frontalis fron-T A L -is

Frons, forehead, brow, as in Anarhynchusfrontalis, the Wrybill

Frontata, -U S fron-T A T -a/us Fulgidus ful-JE E -dus

Frons, the forehead, brow, as in Tricholaemafrontata, the Miombo Shining, gleaming, glittering, fromfulgere, to flash or shine,
Pied Barbet, after the Miombo woodlands of Africa as in Caridonaxfulgidus, the Glittering Kingfisher

Frugivorus fro o -p -v o R -us Fulica/«/-«-^

Frugi, fruit, and vora, to eat, as in Calyptophilusfrugivorus, Waterfowl, as in Fulica americana, the American Coot
the Eastern Chat-Tanager
Pulicarius fa i-ih -K A R -ee-us
Fucata foo-K A -ta Coot-like, as in Phalaropusfulicarius, the Red or Gray Phalarope,
Fucare, color, paint, dye, as in Emberiza fucata, which swims on the surface of water
the Chestnut-eared Bunting
Fuliginosa, -sus fui-ih-p-m -wsus
Fuciphagus foo-si-FAY-gus Fuligo, soot, and os-a, full of, as in Streperafuliginosa, the Black
Fuci, seaweed, andphagus, eater of, as in Aerodramus fuciphagus, Currawong, a native Australian name perhaps from the call
the Edible-nest Swiftlet; the species name derives from a Chinese
story of the birds swooping down into the ocean to collect material fu l-ih -p -V E N -ter
for their nests, actually made almost exclusively of saliva Fuligo, soot, and venter, belly, as in Phylloscopusfuligiventer,
the Smoky Warbler
Fuelleborni FUL-le-born-eye
After Friederich Fiilleborn, German physician, as in Laniarius Fuligula/«/-;V!>-GOO-/*
fuelleborni, Fiilleborns Boubou, common name from its call Fuligo, soot, and gula, throat, as in Aythya fuligula, the Tufted Duck,
referring to the birds predominandy black color
V x X C Y tC S i foo-EHR-tess-eye
After Louis Agassiz Fuertes, ornithologist and bird artist, as in Fulmarus / uI- m a r -us
Hapalopsittacafuertesi, Fuertess Parrot Old Norse,full, foul, and mar, gull, as in Fulmarusglacialis,
the Northern Fulmar; the genus name comes from the birds
Fulgens F U L-jenz habit of regurgitating a foul-smelling liquid when disturbed
Glittering, as in Eugenesfulgens, the Magnificent Hummingbird and its superficial similarity to gulls
81
F U LVA

Atlapetes fulviceps, 'Funerea., -U S foo-N ER -ee-a/us

Fulvous-headed Brush Finch Deadly, funereal, as in Drepanisfunerea, the extinct Black Mamo

Furcata, -tus fu r-K A -ta /tu s

Forked, as in Tachomisfurcata, the Pygmy Palm Swift,
with a forked tail

Fusca F U SS-ka
Fuscus, dark, dusky, as in Gerygonefusca, the Western Gerygone,
pronouncedjer-IH-gon-ee

Fuscata, -U S fuss-K A -ta/tus

Fuscus, dark, as in Lonchurafuscata, the Timor Sparrow

Fulva f u l -va Fuscescens/««-££5 -senz

Fulvus, brownish, as in Pluvialisfulva, the Pacific Golden Plover Fuscus, dark, as in Catharusfuscescens, the Veery, although
the bird is more of a brownish-red coloration
Fulvescensfui-vES-senz
Fulvus, brownish, as in Prunellafulvescens, the Brown Accentor Fuscicauda fo o -sh i-C A w -d a
Fuscus, dark, and cauda, tail, as in Habia fuscicauda,
Fulvicapilla f u i- v i- k a - p n - u the Red-throated Ant Tanager
Fulvus, brownish, and capilla, hair, as in Cisticolafulvicapilla,
the Piping Cisticola, with a rufous cap Fuscicollis foo-shi-K O L-lis
Fuscus, dark, dusky, and collis, neck, as in Poicephalusfuscicollis,
Fulvicauda f u -v f k a w -d a the Brown-necked Parrot
Fulvus, brownish, and cauda, tail, as in Basileuterusfulvicauda,
the Buff-rumped Warbler Fuscirostris/OT-^<-,Rovs -tris
Fuscus, dark, dusky, and rostris, bill, as in Talegallafuscirostris,
Fulviceps FUL-vi-seps the Black-billed Brushturkey
Fulvus, brownish, and ceps, head, as in Atlapetesfulviceps,
the Fulvous-headed Brush Finch F U S C U S FUS-kus
Dark, dusky, as in Casiomisfuscus,
Fulvicollis fui-vi-KOL-Hs the Ash-throated Casiomis
Fulvus, brownish, and collis, neck, as in Treronfulvicollis,
the Cinnamon-headed Green Pigeon

Fulvifrons F U L-vi-fronz Catharus fuscescens,

Fulvus, brownish, andfrons, forhead, as in Empidonaxfulvifrons, Veery
the Buff-breasted Flycatcher

Fulvigula/«/-w-coo-/«
Fulvus, brownish, an<&gula, throat, as in Anas fulvigula,
the Mottled Duck

Fumigatus foo-m i-G AT-us

To smoke, as in Contopusfumigatus, the Smoke-colored Pewee

Funebris
Funeral, deadly, fatal, as in Todiramphusfunebris, the Sombre or
Funereal Kingfisher, pertaining to the birds dark plumage

82
 GALLIRALLUS

G
G A > c \ & ga-B EL-a
After Gabela, in Angola, as in Prionops gabela, the Gabela
Helmetshrike

Gabonensis ga-bo -N E N -sis

After Gabon, as in Dendropicosgabonensis,
the Gabon Woodpecker

Gaimardi gy-M AR -dye

After Joseph Gaimard, French surgeon, explorer, and naturalist,
as in Phalacrocoraxgaimardi, the Red-legged Cormorant

Galactotes ga-lak-TO T-eez

Greek,galaktos, milk, and otes, resembling, as in Erythropygia
galactotes, the Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin

Galapagoensis ga-la-pa -go -EN-sis

From the Galapagos, as in Buteo galapagoensis, the
Galapagos Hawk

Galatea g a-u -T E E -a Buteo galapagoensis,

After Galatea, a mythical Greek sea nymph, as in Tanysipteragalatea, Galapagos Hawk
the Common Paradise Kingfisher

Galbula gal-BOO -la Galinieri gal-in-ee-AIR-eye

Galbulus, oriole, as in Galbula galbula, the Green-tailed Jacamar, After Joseph Galinier, French explorer of Abyssinia (now Ethiopia),
jacamar from the Tupi language of South America as in Parophasmagalinieri, the Abyssinian Catbird

-U S gal-ee-AT-a/us Gallicolumba g a i-n -k o -w M -b a

Helmeted, as in Myiagragaleata, the Slaty Monarch or Moluccan Gallus, cock, and columba, dove, as in Gallicolumba rufigula,
Flycatcher, helmet probably referring to the slight crest of the Cinnamon Ground Dove
most flycatchers
Gallinago gal-li-N A-go
Galericulata ga-ler-ih-koo-LA-ta Gallina, hen, and gallus, cock, chicken, as in Gallinago gallinago, the
Galer, cap, and cul, little, as in Aixgalericulata, the Mandarin Duck, Common Snipe; implies that the bird resembled a hen to the namer
with a swept-back head crest
Gallinula
Galerita gal-er-EE-ta
gai-u-N oo-u
Litde hen, the diminutive ofgallina, as in Gallinula chloropus,
Galer, cap, and -ita, little, as in Cacatuagalerita, the Common Moorhen
the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
Gallirallus gal-li-R A L-lus
Galgulus gal-G O O -lus Galli, chicken, and rallus, rail or thin, as in Gallirallus torquatus,
Galbulus, oriole, as in Loriculusgalgulus, the Blue-crowned Hanging the Barred Rail. The phrase “thin as a rail” refers to the laterally
Parrot. An oriole hangs its nest; some confusion caused the name to flattened bodies of these birds, not railroad tracks
be attributed to this parrot, which hangs upsidedown from branches
when seeking food

83
GALIOPAVO

Gallopavo gal-lo-PA-vo Gampsorhynchus gam p-so-RINK-us

Galli, chicken, and pavus, peacock, as in Meleagrisgallopavo, Greek,gampso, curved, and Latin, rhynchus, bill, as in
the Wild Turkey Gampsorhynchus torquatus, the Collared Babbler with
a somewhat hooked upper bill
Galloperdix gai-io-PER-diks
Galli, chicken, and perdix, partridge, as in Galloperdix spadicea, Garleppi GAR-lep-pye
the Red Spurfowl After Gustav Garlepp, a German collector, as in Compospiza
garleppi, the Cochabomba Mountain Finch
Gallus G AL-lus
Galli, chicken, as in Gallus gallus, the Red Junglefowl; Gallus gallus Garrula, -us gar-Roo-u/ius
domesticus is the familiar domesticated chicken Chattering, as in Ortalisgarrula, the Chestnut-winged Chachalaca

Gambeli, -ii GAM -bel-eye/gam-BEL-ee-eye Garrulax gar-Roo-Uks

After William Gambel, American naturalist and collector, as in Greek form of the Latin garrulus, talkative, chattering,
Poecilegambeli, the Mountain Chickadee and Callipepla gambelii, as in Garrulax canorus, the Chinese Hwamei or Melodious
Gambels Quail Laughing Thrush

Gambensis gam -BEN -sis Garzetta gar-ZE T-ta

After Gambia, as in Plectropterusgambensis, the Spur-winged Goose Italian for egret, as in Egretta garzetta, the Little Egret

Gampsonyx gam p-SO N 'iks Gaudichaud GAw-di-show-d

Greek,gampso, curved, and onux, nail, claw, as in Gampsonyx After Charles Gaudichaud-Beupre, French pharmacist
swainsonii, the Pearl Kite and explorer, as in Dacelo gaudichaud, the Rufous-bellied
Kookaburra

Plectropterus gambensis, G a v l a GAV-ee-a

Spur-winged Goose Seabird, loon, as in Gavia stellata, the Red-throated
Loon or Diver

Gayi g a y -eye
After Claude Gay, French zoologist and collector, as in Attagisgayi,
the Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe

Geelvinkiana, -lim gel-vink-ee-AN -a/um

After a Dutch ship and family, as in Micropsittageelvinkiana,
the Geelvink Pygmy Parrot

Gelochelidon je-lo-K E L -ih-don

Greek,gelo, laugh, chelidon, swallow, as in Gelochelidon nilotica,
the Gull-billed Tern, which feeds mainly on insects in flight (as do
swallows) and has a distinct laughing call

Genei JEN -nay-eye

After Guiseppe Gene, Italian naturalist, as in Chroicocephalusgenei,
the Slender-billed Gull

Genibarbis jen-ih-B A R -bis

Gena, the cheek or chin, and barbus, barbel or whisker, as in
Myadestesgenibarbis, the Rufous-throated Solitaire

84
 G avia

M
ost people are familiar Gavia immer,
with loons, or divers, Great Northern Loon or Diver
members of the genus Gavia
(GAV-ee-a), such as the 13 pounds (6 kilograms),
Common Loon or Diver, and require a long run
G. immer. Gavia is the Latin across the water for takeoff.
word for seabird, originally They would rather dive
used to describe a sea duck. than fly to escape predators.
The word loon, sometimes There are four (or five,
associated with the moon, as in lunar, actually according to some) species of loons/divers, all of
comes from the Norwegian term lom or lum, which nest in freshwater lakes in northern North
meaning clumsy. Loons are clumsy on land because America and Eurasia. After breeding, they move to
their webbed feet are located far back on the body; coastal waters of the Atlantic or Pacific to spend the
very efficient for swimming but terrible for walking winter. In the late winter or early spring, most loons
on land. The name might also have come from the shed all of their feathers in a short period of time,
Dutch loen, a crazy person. Loon, loony, and lunatic making them flightless for several weeks until the
have all come to mean crazy, as in “crazy as a loon.” new flight feathers regrow.
The tremolo, the best known of their eerie calls,
sounds like crazy laughter, hence the application The top figure is the Great Northern Loon or Diver; Gavia immer,
of the name to an unbalanced person. the most abundant and widespread of North American toons. In the
middle left is the Red-throated Loon, Gavia stellata; in the middle right
Loons, in their own order, Gaviiformes, and the Yellow-billed Loon, Gavia adamsii; and on the bottom is the Pacific
family, Gaviidae, are found only in North America Loon, Gavia pacifica, which is nearly identical to the much rarer and
and Eurasia. In Europe they are commonly called not pictured Black-throated Loon, Gavia arctica.
divers because they dive for their food, which they
occasionally spear with their pointed bill. Most of
their prey consists of fish, but frogs and crayfish are
also in their diet. Since they feed by sight, they
are found only on clear lakes. They can dive as deep
as 200 feet (60 meters) in pursuit of prey, not only
because of their rearward, laterally flattened legs and
webbed feet, but also because their bones, unlike the
hollow bones of most birds, are solid. In addition,
they can flatten their feathers to expel air bubbles
and even adjust their buoyancy so only their head
is above water. For digesting their food, they ingest
small stones called gastroliths to help grind food in
their stomach. Loons are heavy, bulky birds, up to
85
G EN T ILIS

Geophaps jE E -o -fa p
Greek, geo, ground andphaps, a dove or pigeon, as in Geophaps
plumifera, the Spinifex Pigeon

Geopsittacus jee-o p-sir-ta -ku s

Greek geo, ground and psittakos, parrot-like, as in Geopsittacus (now
Pezoporus) occidentalis, the Night Parrot. Nocturnal and terrestrial, it
is a very rare endemic of Australia

Georgiana, -U S jor-jee-A N -a/us

After the State of Georgia in the US, as in Melospiza georgiana,
the Swamp Sparrow

Georgica, -us joR-ji-ka/m

After South Georgia, as in Anas georgica, the Yellow-billed Pintail

Geositta jee-o-SIT-ta
Greek geo, ground and Old English, sittan, to be seated, as in Geositta
Gentilis peruviana, the Coastal Miner which inhabits barren, gravelly ground,
O f the same family or clan, as in Accipitergentilis, the Northern often with no vegetation
Goshawk. Common name comes from the Old Englishgosheafoc,
goose-hawk Geospiza jee-o-SPY- za
Greek, geo, ground, and spiz-a, finch, as in Geospiza conirostris,
Geobates jee-o-BAT-eez the Large Cactus Finch (see box), one of Darwins Finches
Greek,geo, ground, and bates, one who walks or haunts, as in
Geobates (now Geositta) peruviana, the Coastal Miner

Geococcyx jee-o-KO KS-siks L A T I N I N A C T I O N

Greek,geo, ground, and Latin, coccyx, from Greek kokkyx, cuckoo,
from the bird’s call, so called by the ancient Greek physician Galen
because the human tailbone supposedly resembles a cuckoos beak, The genus Geospiza (ground finch) and four
as in Geococcyx califomianus, the Greater Roadrunner other genera, for a total of 14 species, comprise
the group of birds on the Galapagos Islands known
Geocolaptes jee-o-ko-LA P-teez as Darwin’s Finches. For many years Darwin’s
Greek, geo, ground and colapt-, chisel, peck, as in Geocolaptes Finches, the ancestor(s) of which somehow made
olivaceus, the Ground Woodpecker it over 1,000 kilometers of ocean from South
Geoffroyi jE F -froy -eye
America to establish this population, were
considered as part of the Emberizidae family,
After Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, a French naturalist, as in Geoffroyus
which includes those birds called buntings in the
geoffroyi, the Red-cheeked Parrot
Old World and sparrows in the New World.
Gelochelidon jel-o-K E L -ih-den Today they are part ofThraupidae, the tanagers
and relatives. Darwin observed and collected all
Greek, gelao, to laugh in joy, and chelidon, swallow, as in Gelochelidon
nilotica, the Gull-billed Tern. The call accounts for the laughing the finches except for the Woodpecker Finch
analogy and the wings resemble a swallow’s (Camarhynchus pallidus), but thought that they
were simply variations on a type. John Gould,
Geopelia jee-o-PEL-ee-a a famous English ornithologist, determined that
Greek,geo, ground andpelia, a dove, as in Geopelia striata, they were actually separate species.
the Zebra Dove

86
 GODLEWSKI1

Geothlypis je e -o -th i-u p -is Glaucescens G LAW -ses-senz

Greek,geo, ground, and thlypis, small bird, as in Geothlypis nelsoni, Graying, as in Larus glaucescens, the Glaucous-winged Gull
the Hooded Yellowthroat. Compared with other New World
Warblers, Geothlypis species inhabit low vegetation Glaucidium, -U S glaw -SID -ee-um /us
Glaucus, gray, bluish, and dium, open sky, as in Glaucidium
Geotrygon jee-o-TRY-gon passerinum, the Eurasian Pygmy Owl
Greek,gaia, earth, and trygon, cooer, as in Geotrygon chrysia,
the Key West Quail-Dove Glaucoides glaw-KOY-deez
Glaucus, gray, bluish, and oides, resembling, as in
Geranoaetus jer-an-o-E E -tus Larus glaucoides, the Iceland Gull
Greek,geranos, crane, and aetus, eagle, as in Geranoaetus
alhicaudatus, the White-tailed Hawk Glaucus G LAW -kus
Glaucus, gray, bluish, as in Anodorhynchusglaucus,
Geranospiza 7 er-an-o-SPY-za the Glaucous Macaw
Greek, geranos, crane, and spiza, finch, as in Geranospiza
caerulescens, the Crane Hawk, not exactly a finch, but its Glossopsitta glos-sop-SIT-ta
gray wings and call are crane-like Greek, glosso, tongue, and psitta, parrot, as in Glossopsitta
concinna, the Musk Lorikeet
Gerygone ger-IH-gon-ee
Greek, goryo, sound, speech, and gone, offspring, born of, Gnoma n o m -u
as in Gerygone chloronota, the Green-backed Gerygone Greek, gnome or dwarf, as in Glaucidium gnoma, the
Mountain or Northern Pygmy Owl
Gigantea, 'U S jye-G A N -tee-a/us
Gigantic, as in Fulicagigantea, the Giant Coot Gnorimopsar no-ri-M O P-sar
Greek,gnorious, a mark, judgement, andpsar, starling, as in
Gigas JYE-gas Gnorimopsar chopi, the Chopi Blackbird, which resembles a starling
Giant, as in Patagonagigas, the Giant Hummingbird
Godeffroyi god-ef-FROY-eye
Gilvus JIL -vus After Johann Cesar Godeffroy, German zoologist, as in
Pale yellow, as in Vireo gilvus, the Warbling Vireo Todiramphus godeffroyi, the Marquesan Kingfisher

Githagineus gith-a-JIN -ee-us Godlewskii god -LOO-skee-eye

Githagineus is probably a corruption of the plant species Agrostemma After Wiktor Godlewski, a Polish zoologist, as in Emberiza
githago, the Corn Cockle, a common European flower, as in godlewskii, Godlewski s Bunting
Bucanetesgithagineus, the Trumpeter Finch, which eats its seeds

G l a d a l i S gla-see-AL-is
Icy, as in Fulmarusglacialis, the Northern Fulmar, a common bird
of the subarctic areas of the North Pacific and Atlantic Oceans

Glandarius gU n-D A R -ee-us

Glandis, an acorn, and arius, quantity of, as in Garrulus glandarius,
the Eurasian Jay, an avid acorn eater

Glareola glar-ee-O-la
Glarea, gravel, as in Glareola pratincola, the Collared Pratincole,
which nests in a depression in the soil or gravel; common name
from prat-, meadow, and col-, dwell

87
 The Color of Birds
f ) irds are among the most colorful of animals,
A. J their colored feathers evolving mainly as an
adaptation for reproduction. Males of species such
as hummingbirds, sunbirds, and tanagers attract
mates with their bright plumage, and Red-winged
Blackbirds, Agelaius phoeniceus, establish and defend
territories with their blazing epaulets. And of course,
in the thickness of tropical forests, the range of
spectacular colors lets all of the birds know who’s
who. Other birds, for protection, have evolved
disruptive coloration, patterns that break up their
outline, such as banded plovers, and birds like
nighthawks and bitterns have evolved camouflage. 8otaurus lentiginosus,
Feather colors are formed by either or both American Bittern
pigment and structure. One pigment, melanin,
produces colors from black to dull yellow; carot­ colors; and porphyrins produce bright colors in
enoids are responsible for yellow to yellow-orange several shades of pink, red, yellow, and green.
Structural colors are produced by the refraction of
Agelaius phoeniceus, light through the cells of the feather. If you find a
Blue Jay, Cyanocitta cristata, or bluebird feather
and hold it in your hand, it appears blue because
the incoming light is refracted as it is reflected.
But if you hold the feather up to the light, the light
is transmitted through the feather and it will appear
brown due to the melanin granules. Iridescent colors
of hummingbirds, sunbirds, and others are produced
in a similar way and the angle at which the birds are
viewed causes the colors to vary. Green colors are
often produced by a yellow pigment deposited
on top of structural blue.
Beginner birdwatchers often consider color to
be the best clue to identification, being misled by the
common names of birds. One would tend to look
for the orange of the Orange-crowned Warbler,
Leiothlypis celata, or an all blue Eurasian Blue Tit,
Cyanistes caeruleus, when the orange crown is not
at all obvious and the Blue Tit is not all blue.
 T H E COL O R O P BIRD S

Color perception also varies with different lighting Oriolus chlorocephalus,

conditions, so patterns, silhouette, behavior, and Green-headed Oriole

habitat are often better clues than color. Seeing Yellow and brown pigments
color is a bonus. in the cells of feather barbules make the
But because colors are so important different shades and iridescence levels of
green colors via reflection and refraction on
and so obvious a feature of birds, many and through the cells.
of their scientific names reflect their
color or color patterns. Hie all-white
White Tern is Gygis alba, Alcippe brunnea
is the mostly brown Dusky Fulvetta, and
Lonchura melanea, the mostly black We describe and name many birds by their colors,
Buff-bellied Mannikin. The Blue-black but birds, having better vision than us, can see not
Kingfisher is aptly named Todiramphus only the visible spectrum of colors but also UV light.
nigrocyaneus. Or the name may reflect the color Over 90 percent of birds examined reflect UV from
of only a particular part as in the Little Tern, Sternula their feathers and probably give birds a much different
albifrons, with a white forehead; Oriolus chlorocepha- view of each other than we have. Male Blue Tits raise a
lus, the Green-headed Oriole; and the Cobalt-winged UV reflective crown patch during courtship and the
Parakeet, Brotogeris cyanoptera. There are many names Blue Grosbeaks, Passerina caerulea, with the most UV
that refer to color and use the color prefix like alba-, reflection in their blue feathers are the most successful
white, and are used repeatedly for different body breeders. The black bibs of male House Sparrows,
parts. Hence we have albicapilla (white-haired), Passer domesticus, indicate their level of dominance
albicauda (white-tailed), albiceps (white-headed), and the amount of spotting on a female Western Barn
albicilla (white-tailed), albicollis (white-collared), Owl’s, Tyto alba, breast indicates her parasite load
albifi'ons (white-forehead), etc. and xantho, yellow, as to a potential mate.
in xanthogastra (yellow belly), xanthocollis (yellow Todiramphus nigrocyaneus,
collar), xantbophrys (yellow eyebrow), etc. Blue-black Kingfisher
The color descriptions are primarily based upon
the plumage of the mature male of the species, but we
often find mismatches between the descriptive
scientific and common names. The Crescent
Honeyeater’s scientific name, Phylidonyris pyrrhop-
terus, means red or flame-colored wings when the
bird’s are actually bright yellow. The Myrtle (once
Yellow-rumped) Warbler’s specific epithet of
(Setophaga) coronata refers to its crown, not its rump.
The Black-billed Cuckoo’s scientific name, Coccyzus
erythropthalmus, refers to its red eye and the
White-shouldered Antbird’s name, Myrmeciza
melanoceps, means black-headed.
G OELDII

Goeldii GELD-ee-eye Goliath go-LYE-ath

After Emil Goeldi, Swiss zoologist, as in Myrmecizagoeldii, Giant, Goliath, the Philistine warrior, as in Ardeagoliath,
Goeldis Antbird the Goliath Heron

Goeringi GE-ring-eye Goodfellowi GOOD-fel-lo-eye

After Anton Goering, German naturalist and painter, as in After Walter Goodfellow, British ornithologist and explorer,
Brachygalbagoeringi, the Pale-headed Jacamar as in Regulus goodfellowi, the Flamecrest

Goethalsia g e-TAL-see-a Goodsoni GOOD-son-eye

After George Goethals, US Army officer and chief engineer of the After Arthur Goodson, British ornithologist, as in Columba
Panama Canal, as in Goethalsia bella, Pirre Hummingbird (now Patagioenas) goodsoni, the Dusky Pigeon

Goffiniana goffin-ec-AN-a Goudotii goo-DOT-ee-eye

After Andreas Goffin, Dutch naval officer, as in Cacatuagoffiniana, After Justin-Marie Goudot, French zoologist, as in Chamaepetes
Tanimbar Corella goudotii, the Sickle-winged Guan

Goldiei GOLD-ee-eye Gouldiae, -i GOULD-ee-ee/eye

After Andrew Goldie, Scottish explorer, as in Psitteutelesgoldiei, After John Gould, famous British ornithologist, as in Eiythrura
Goldies Lorikeet gouldiae, the Gouldian Finch. John Gould had 24 birds named after
him, more than anyone else
Goldmania, -mani
gold-M A N -ee-a/ G O LD -m an-eye Graciae GRAY-see-ee
After Edward Goldman, American naturalist and mammalogist, After Grace Coues, sister of Elliot Coues, who first discovered
as in Goldmania violiceps, Violet-capped Hummingbird Setophagagraciae, Graces Warbler

Gracilirostris gra-sil-ee-ROSS-tris
Gracilis, slender, and rostris, bill, as in Calamonastidesgracilirostris,
the Papyrus Yellow Warbler

Gracilis gra-SIL-is
Slender, as in Meliphaga gracilis, the Graceful Honeyeater

Gracula, "IIS, "ina gra-K O O L-a/us/gra-kool-EE-na

Graculus, a jackdaw, as in Gracula religiosa, the Common Hill Myna

Gracupica gra-koo-PIKE-a
Graculus, a jackdaw, and pica, a magpie, as in Gracupica contra,
the Pied Myna

Graduacauda gra-doo-a-C AW -da

Gradus, slope, walk, and cauda, tail, as in Icterus graduacauda,
Audubon’s Oriole, and may refer to the tapering of the tail feathers

Graeca GREE-ka
Graecus, Greek, as in Alectorisgraeca, the Rock Partridge, whose
home range includes Greece

Grallaria, "US gral-LAR-ee-a/us

Grallae, stilts and aria, air, as in Fregettagrallaria, the White-bellied
Storm Petrel, from its habit of “walking” on the surface of the sea

90
 GRISEICEPS

Grallaricula gral-lar-ih-K O O L-a

Grallae, stilts, and cula, diminutive, as in Grallariculaflavirostris,
the Ochre-breasted Antpitta, referring to its short tail making its legs
appear disproportionately long

G rail ina gral-LE E N -a

Grallae, stilts, as in Grallina cyanoleuca, the Magpie-lark with its
longish legs

Gramineus grah-M IN -ee-us

O f grass, grassy, as in Megalurus gramineus, the Little Grassbird

G ram inicola^ -m in-ih-K O L-a

Gramineus, of grass, grassy, and cola, dweller, as in Graminicola
bengalensis, the Indian Grassbird

Grammacus G RAM -m a-kus Grandala coelicolor,

Lined, striped, as in Chondestesgrammacus, the Lark Sparrow Grandala
Grammicep S GRAM -mi-seps
Gramma, lines, and ceps, head, as in Seicercusgammiceps, Grayi GRAY-eye
the Sunda Warbler, with dark lines on its rufous head After George Gray, British ornithologist, as in Turdus grayi,
Clay-colored Thrush; also after John Gray, older brother of
Granadensis gra-na -D EN-sis George Gray, British ornithologist and entomologist, as in
After New Granada, now part of present-day Colombia, as in Ammomanopsisgrayi, Gray’s Lark
Picumnus granadensis, the Grayish Piculet, a small woodpecker
Graysoni g r a y -son-eye
Granatellus gra-na-TE L-lus After Andrew Jackson Grayson, American ornithologist and artist,
Granatus, garnet, as in Granatellus venustus, the Red-breasted as in Mimus graysoni, the Socorro Mockingbird
Chat, with a bright-red chest
Grimwoodi GRIM-wood-eye
Granatina g™-na-TEEN-a After Ian Grimwood, Chief Game Warden of Kenya, as in
Granatus, garnet, as in Erythropitta granatina, the Garnet Pitta Macronyxgrimwoodi, Grimwood’s Longclaw

Grandala gran-D A L-a Grisea GRIS-ee-a

Grand, large, great, and ala, wing, as in Grandala coelicolor, Griceus, gray, as in Formicivora grisea, the Southern
the Grandala, with strikingly grand, as in spectacular, blue wings White-fringed Antwren

Grandis g r a n -Ms Grisegena grins-e-JEN-a

Grand, large, great, as in Ploceus grandis, the Giant Weaver Griceus, gray, zndgena, chin, cheek, as in Podicepsgrisegena,
the Red-necked Grebe, with grayish-white cheeks
Graueri, -ia G RA U-er-eye/grau-ER-ee-a
After Rudolph Grauer, Austrian explorer who collected in the Griseicapilla, -us gris-ee-eye-ka -PIL-la/us
Belgian Congo, as in Bradypterusgraueri, Grauer s Swamp Warbler Griceus, gray, and capilla, hair on the head, as in Sittasomus
griseicapillus, the Olivaceous Woodcreeper
Gravis G RA-vis
Heavy, important, as in Pujfinusgravis, the Great Shearwater Griseiceps gris-ee-EYE-seps
Griceus, gray, and ceps, head, as in Accipitergriseiceps,
the Sulawesi Goshawk

91
GRIS E I C O L L I S

Griseicoliis gris-ee-eye-KOL-lis Griseogularis gris-ee-o-goo-LAR-is

Griceus, gray, and collis, the neck, as in Scytalopusgriseicoliis, Griceus, gray, an&gularis, throated, as in Ammoperdixgriseogularis,
the Pale-bellied Tapaculo the See-see Partridge

Griseigula, -gularis gris-ee-eye-G O O -la/ Griseus GRIS-ee-us

gris-ee-eye-goo-LAR-is Gray, as in Nyctibiusgriseus, the Common Potoo, common name
Griceus, gray, andgula, the throat, as in Timeliopsisgriseigula, after its wailing call
the Tawny Straightbill
Grossus GRO-sus
Griseipectus gris-ee-eye-PEK-tus Grossus, thick, as in Saltatorgrossus, the Slate-colored Grosbeak,
Griceus, gray, and pectis, the breast, as in Pyrrhura griseipectus, with a thick beak
the Gray-breasted Parakeet
Grus G RU SS
Griseiventris gris-ee-eye-VEN-tris Crane, such as Grus americana, the Whooping Crane
Griceus, gray, and ventris, the underside, belly, as in Melaniparus
griseiventris, the Miombo Tit Grylle g r i l -U c
Scottish name for Cepphusgrylle, the Black Guillemot
Griseocephalus gris-ee-o-se-FAL-us
Griceus, gray, and Latin, cephala, head, as in Dendropicosgriseocephalus, Gryphus g r i p - us
the Olive Woodpecker Greek, gryp-, hook-nosed, as in Vulturgryphus, the Andean Condor

Griseoceps gris-ee-O-seps Guadalcanaria gwa-dal-kan-AR-ee-a

Griceus, gray, and ceps, head, as in Microecagriseoceps, the After Guadalcanal Island, in the Solomon Islands, as in
Yellow-legged Flyrobin Guadalcanaria inexpectata, the Guadalcanal Honeyeater

Guarauna gwa-RAWN-a
The Brazilian Indian name for this bird, Aramus guarauna, the
Limpkin, the common name coming from the birds limping gait

Gubernetes goo-ber-NEET-eez
A rudder, governor, as in Gubernetesyetapa,
the Streamer-tailed Tyrant

Gujanensis goo-ja -N EN -sis

After French Guinea, as in Odontophorusgujanensis, the Marbled
Wood Quail

Gularis goo-LAR-is
Gula, throat, gullet, as in Egretta gularis, the Western Reef Heron or
Egret; Gularis probably refers to the large throat of these birds, and
there are two dozen with this specific epithet

Gurneyi GER-nee-eye
After John Gurney, British banker and amateur ornithologist,
as in Aquila gurneyi, Gurneys Eagle

Grus americana,
Whooping Crane

92
 GYPS

Gymnocichla jim-m-sicK-u
LATIN IN ACTION Greek,gymno, naked, bare, and cichla, thrush, as in
Gymnocichla nudiceps, the Bare-crowned Antbird
Ornithologists know little about the Bornean
Bristlehead, Pityriasis gymnocephala. Presently
Gymnoderus jim-no-DER-us
Greek,gymno, naked, bare, and der-, neck, hide, as in
considered the only member of the Pityriaseidae Gymnoderusfoetidus, the Bare-necked Fruitcrow
family and genus Pityriasis, in the past it was placed
in other families, including Corvidae, the jay and Gymnoglaux jm-no-gUwks
crow family. It is a rainforest inhabitant but due to Greek,gymno, naked, bare, andglaux, owl, as in Gymnoglaux
the destruction of forests by logging and the illegal (now Margarobyas) lawrencii, the Bare-legged Owl
black market for these birds as pets, it is
considered near threatened.This iconic bird is the Gymnogyps jm - n o -p p s
most sought after by birdwatchers in Borneo. Greek,gymno, naked, bare, and gyps, vulture, as in Gymnogyps
califomianus, the California Condor; Condor derives from American
Spanish, cuntur, the native name for the bird

Gymnorhinus, -a j im -no-R YE-nus/na

Greek,gymno, naked, bare, and rhinos, nose, as in Gymnorhinus
cyanocephalus, the Pinyon Jay, whose bill is featherless at the base

Gypaetus p -p e e -tus
Greek,gymno, naked, bare, and aetus, eagle, as in Gypaetus barbatus,
the Bearded Vulture

■ Gypsjips
Greek,gyps, vulture, as in Gypsfulvus, the Griffon Vulture

Guttata, -us gut-TAT-a/us

Gutta, drop, spot, speck, as in Ortalisguttata, the Speckled
Chachalaca, whose common name comes from its loud calls

Guttaticollis gut-ta-ti-K O L -lis

Gutta, drop, spot, speck, and collis, neck, as in Paradoxomis
guttaticollis, the Spot-breasted Parrotbill

Gutturalis gut-ter-A L-is

Guttur, the throat, as in Anth us gutturalis, the Alpine Pipit,
with a streaked throat

Guy GEE
After J. Guy, French naturalist, as in Phaethomisguy,
the Green Hermit
Gymnogyps califomianus,
Gygis ji-jis California Condor
Guges, a water bird, as in Gygis alba, the White Tern

Gymnocephala, -us jim -no-se-F A L-a/us

Greek,gymno, naked, bare, and Latin, cephala, head, as in Pityriasis
gymnocephala, the Bornean Bristlehead (see box)

93
 P h o e b e Sn e t s i n g e r
(1921- 1999)

P
hoebe Snetsinger was born Phoebe Burnett Calicalicus rufocarpalis,
in 1921 in Lake Zurich, Illinois. Her Red-shouldered Vanga
father, Leo Burnett, was the advertising The rare Red-shouldered Vanga is
executive who made famous the Jolly Green endemic to south-western
Giant, the Marlboro Man, Toucan Sam, Charlie Madagascar and may be best
the Tuna, Morris the Cat, the Pillsbury Doughboy, known as the last bird to
be sighted by Phoebe
and Tony the Tiger. His successes and the resulting Snetsinger.
financial rewards eventually enabled Phoebe to
travel the world in search of birds. Only eight
bird-watchers in history have ever seen more than
8,000 of the approximately 10,000 species of birds
found on our planet. Phoebe Snetsinger, of When Snetsinger was 34, a friend introduced her
Missouri, was one of the eight. to bird-watching, and the sight of a Blackburnian
When she started keeping a list, there were Warbler, Setophagafusca, changed her life. With her
8,500 officially named species, compared with about photographic memory and a fierce will to learn, she
10,000 now. Her list of more than 2,000 bird genera proved an excellent birder. Birding went from a
far surpassed anyone else s, and she was especially hobby to a passion for Snetsinger in 1981 when a
interested in monotypic genera, those genera that doctor told her she had terminal melanoma cancer
contain only one species of bird. She also kept notes on and a short time to live. Rejecting therapy, she took
subspecies and geographic races that have since been off to Alaska on a scheduled trip, her first long­
elevated to the species level. So her life list of 8,400 distance journey simply to see birds. She was 49.
species continues to grow even after her death in 1999. Snetsinger liked to say her love of birds “began
She married her husband David Snetsinger, a with a death sentence,” and her relentless energy
scientist and administrator, whom she had known reflected that level of urgency as her cancer went into
since the age of eleven. The marriage proved the first of several remissions. “Birding has meant a
unfulfilling for Snetsinger, so she and her husband variety of things to many different people,” Snet­
drifted apart but didn’t divorce. She wrote dark, singer once wrote in an article for a nature club,
despairing poems, describing her marriage as “but for me it has been intricately intertwined with
“a stodgy, graceless, larval time.” survival.” After her diagnosis she spent more time in
the wilds of the world—jungles, swamps, deserts—
than she did at home. She was most comfortable
with her binoculars, floppy hat, and notebook.
Many of her birding tours cost more than $5,000,
“You’d go that far to see one bird?” and she maintained this travel schedule for 18 years
Phoebe Snetsinger after her diagnosis! There were setbacks, as the
94
 P H OE.BE S N E T S I N G E R

melanoma recurred every five years or so, but

always went into remission again. She died in an
auto accident on a birding expedition to Madagascar,
shortly after viewing an exceptionally rare Helmet
Vanga, Euryceros prevostii, or Red-shouldered Vanga,
Calicalicus rufocarpalis, depending on the story
one reads. She was 68.
Well, with a name like Phoebe, she almost had
to be a birder. There are only 900 species in North
America, so she had to have the time and money to
travel extensively on other continents to reach her
8,400 species. A few other people have gone as far in
pursuit of birds, but only about 250 of them have ever
hit the 5,000 mark, perhaps 100 people have seen
6,000 and only 12 or so have seen more than 7,000. Setophaga fusca,
At the time ofwriting Tom Gullick, a British resident Blackburnian W arbler
of Spain, is the only person ever to see 9,000 bird species; The Blackburnian Warbler is not easy to spot as it prefers
the 9,000th was the endemic Wallace s Fruit-Dove, to forage in the treetops, where it searches the branch
Ptilinopus wallacii, on Yamdena in the Tanimbar Islands, tips for insects and larvae.
Indonesia. He ended that trip with a total of9,047 species.
Gullick has been the top world lister since 2008 and holds

the record for the most species seen in South America

(2,939) and Africa (2,081).
But Phoebe Snetsinger has to be given credit
for her passion and perseverance, qualities that made
her the icon of diehard bird listing. At the time of
her death she was 2,000 birds ahead of her nearest
rival. Some of her adventures and misadventures,
which included recurrences of cancer, a gang rape in
New Guinea, a shipwreck, earthquakes, and political
problems, are detailed in her book Birding on
Borrowed Time, published in 2003.

Aramides axillaris,
Rufous-necked W ood Rail

Snetsinger passed the 8.000 mark in September 1995

when she spotted her first Rufous-necked Wood Rail.

95
HAAS TI I

Haematoderus
H hee-ma-to-D ER-us
Greek, haimo, blood, and dera, neck, throat, as in Haematoderus
militaris, the Crimson Fruitcrow

Haastii H AAST-ee-eye Haematogaster hee-m a-to-G AS-ter

After Johann Franz “Julius” von Haast, a German geologist Greek, haimo, blood, and gaster, stomach, as in Campephilus
who worked in New Zealand, as in Apteryx haastii, the Great haematogaster, the Crimson-bellied Woodpecker
Spotted Kiwi
Haematonota, -us hee-m a-toe-N O -ta/tus
Habia H A-bee-a Greek, haimo, blood, and noto, back, as in Epinecrophylla haematonota,
From an indigenous language of South America (Guarani) the Stipple-throated Antwren
as in Habia rubica, the Red-crowned Ant Tanager
Haematopus hee-ma-TO-pus
Habroptila ha-brop-TiL-a Greek, haimo, blood, andpous, foot, as in Haematopus ater, the
Greek, habro, dainty, delicate, and ptila, feather, as in Blackish Oystercatcher, although the bill is blood red, not the feet
Habroptila wallacii, the Invisible Rail
Haematortyx hee-ma-roR-tiks
Haemacephalcl hee-ma-se-FAL-a Greek, haimo, blood, and ortux, quail, as in Haematortyx
Greek, haima, blood, and Latin, cephala, head, as in Megalaima sanguiniceps, the Crimson-headed Partridge
haemacephala, the Coppersmith Barbet
HaematOSpiza hee-ma-to-SPY-za
Haemastica hee-M A ss-uk-a Greek, haimo, blood, and spiza, finch, as in Haematospiza
Greek, haima, blood, as in Limosa haemastica, the (now Carpodacus) sipahi, the Scarlet Finch
Hudsonian Godwit, with chestnut-red underparts
Hainanus hye-NAN-m
After Hainan, China, as in Cyornis hainanus, the Hainan
Blue Flycatcher

Halcyon H AL-see-on
Greek, kingfisher, as in Halcyon senegalensis, the Woodland Kingfisher

Haliaeetus hal-ee-a-EE-tus
Greek, hals, the sea, and aetus, eagle, as in Haliaeetus leucogaster,
the White-bellied Sea Eagle

Haliaetus ha-lee-EE-tus
Sea eagle, osprey, as in Pandion haliaetus, the Western Osprey

Haliastur ha-lee-AST-ur■
Greek hals, the sea, and -astur, a hawk, as in Haliastur indus,
the Brahminy Kite, which often feeds along the coast

Halli H A L L -eye
After Robert Hall, Australian ornithologist, as in
Macronectes halli, Northern Giant Petrel

Habroptila wallacii,
Invisible Rail

96
 H alcyon

T
here are about 90 species of kingfishers
spread over 17 genera. The Halcyon
(.HAL-see-on) genus contains 11 of the 60 or so
bird species known as tree or wood kingfishers and
are primarily Old World in distribution. Halcyon
comes from Alcyone of Greek mythology, daughter
of Aeolus, the ruler of the winds. She married Ceyx,
who died in a shipwreck. Alcyone was so upset she
drowned herself in the sea, after which the gods
turned both of them into kingfishers. When Alcyone
nested, Aeolus calmed the winds for a week. These
seven days became known as the “halcyon days.”
Kingfishers are so called because they are
supposedly the “king of the fishers,” but tree
kingfishers will also take small reptiles, amphibians,
crabs, and even small birds and mammals. The Ruddy Halcyon senegaloides,
Mangrove Kingfisher
Kingfisher (H. coromanda) is known to feed on land
snails that it crushes with an “anvil rock.” Kingfishers
typically beat larger prey on a branch to disable and (50 to 100 centimeters) long. In times when food is
soften it before swallowing. scarce, egg-laying may take place every other day but
Tree kingfishers will nest in a tree cavity made by incubation begins immediately, so the young are at
woodpeckers or dig out rotting wood to make a hole. different ages and sizes as they hatch. The older
Some will nest in termite nests and others excavate hatchlings are more successful in begging for food
tunnels in riverbanks. Like all the other members of and therefore have a better chance of survival than
its avian order Coraciiformes, which includes bee the younger ones. This strategy of
eaters, rollers, and hornbills, their feet exhibit asynchronous hatching is also
“syndactly” (fused toes); their third and employed by birds of prey and
fourth toes are joined at the base to other birds to assure that at
help them to dig nest holes. They least one or two young
are monogamous and make it to fledging.
territorial; along river banks
these territories are likely to
be long and narrow, but for
the forest-nesting species they
are oval or circular. Kingfish­
ers lay four to seven eggs in a Halcyon commando,
nest cavity 20 to 40 inches Ruddy Kingfisher
 HALIAEETUS

F
rom the Greek for sea eagle or osprey, the genus
Haliaeetus (ha-lee-EE-tus) contains eight living
species and is one of the oldest groups of birds,
commonly known as sea eagles. Most have white tails
and a few have white heads. Perhaps the most
well-known, weighing in at 13 pounds (6 kilograms),
is the Bald Eagle, H. leucocephalus, the national bird
of the US. The bird is not really bald; its name
derives from the term “piebald,” which refers to large
patches of color, usually white.
Most sea eagles feed on fish but will take other
prey and are not averse to eating carrion. In Alaska, Haliaeetus leucocephalus,
where there are no vultures, Bald Eagles can be seen Bald Eagle
scavenging around garbage dumps. Sea eagles will
also harass other birds such as gannets and gulls in is seized. The African Fish Eagle, H. vocifer, flies from
an effort to make them drop their piscine prey. its perch in a tree to swoop down on fish and, like all
But they are also efficient predators. The White- sea eagles, has prickles on the underside of its toes to
bellied Sea Eagle, H. leucogaster, flies low over the help hold its slippery prey. The White-tailed Eagle,
water with its talons tucked under its chin H. albicilla, eats a variety of fish but commonly
and strikes rapidly at the water surface targets water birds such as terns, cormorants, loons
while flapping its wings in a strong (or divers), grebes, ducks, coots, and even skuas.
effort to take off once the fish Sea eagles, mature by about five years of age,
mate for years, sometimes even for life, according to
evolving evidence. The pairs build huge nests that
may exceed 10 feet (3 meters) in diameter and weigh
3 tons. The nests may be used year after year for many
years, sometimes by successive generations.
The populations of sea eagles in both North
America and Europe have suffered because they are
top predators and accumulate toxins, such as
pesticides and pollutants. They have also been shot
and harassed by farmers, hunters, and egg-collectors
over the years, accelerating the decline.

Haliaeetus vocifer,
African Fish Eagle
 HARTLAUBI

Halobaena ha-io-BEEN -a Harpactes har-PAK-teez

Greek, hals, the sea, and baen, walk, step, as in Halobaena Greek, harpact, to rob, seize, as in Harpactes ardens, the Philippine
caerulea, the Blue Petrel, for the petrel habit of “tip-toeing” Trogon, which steals the nests of termites and wasps to use as its own.
on the oceans surface Trogon is Greek for nibbler: it gnaws at tree bark to make cavities

Halocyptena ha-u-sip-TEN-a Harpagus har-PAY-gus

Greek, hals, sea, okus, speedy, andptenos, winged, flying, as in Greek, harpag, hook, as in Harpagus bidentatus, the
Halocyptena (now Oceanodroma) microsoma, the Least Storm Petrel Double-toothed Kite

Hamirostra ha-m ee-RO SS-tra Harpia HAR-pee-a

Hamus, hooked, and rostris, beak, as in Hamirostra melanostemon, Greek, harpi, a sickle, bird of prey, as in Harpia harpyja,
the Black-breasted Buzzard the Harpy Eagle, after the mythical harpy

Hammondii ham -M O ND -ee-eye Harpyhaliaetus har-pee-hal-ee-EE-tus

After William Hammond, military physician and biological Greek, harpi, a sickle, bird of prey, and haliaet, -e, -us, sea eagle,
collector, as in Empidonax hammondii, Hammond s Flycatcher osprey, as in Harpyhaliaetus (now Buteogallus) coronatus, the
Crowned Solitary Eagle
Hapalopsittaca ha-pa-lop-SIT-ta-ka
Greek, hapalo, gentle, soft, and Latin,psittaca, parrot, as in Harpyopsis har-pee-OP-sis
Hapalopsittaca amazonina, the Rusty-faced Parrot Greek, harpi, a sickle, bird of prey, and opsis, appearance, as in
Harpyopsis novaeguineae, the Papuan Eagle
Hapaloptila ha-pa-lop-TIL-a
Greek, hapalo, gentle, soft, andptilon, feather, as in Hapaloptila Harterti, -tula H AR T-ert-eye/hart-er-TO O -la
castanea, the White-faced Nunbird After Ernst Hartert, German ornithologist, as in Asthenes harterti,
the Black-throated Thistletail
Haplochelidon hap-lo-kel-EYE-don
Greek, hapalo, gentle, soft, and chelidon, swallow, as in I~J 3.r t l 3.u l 3 i , ' l l H AR T-laub-eye/hart-LAU B-ee-eye
Haplochelidon andecola, the Andean Swallow After Karl Hartlaub, German academic and explorer, as in Tauraco
hartlaubi, Hartlaubs Turaco
Haplochrous hap-LO -krus
Greek, hapalo, gentle, soft, and chroa, skin, complexion, as in
Accipiter haplochrous, the White-bellied Goshawk, from the soft
appearance o f its plumage, especially the white belly

Haplonota hap-lo-N O -ta

Greek, hapalo, gentle, soft, and notos, back, as in Grallaria
haplonota, the Plain-backed Antpitta

Haplophaedia hap-lo-FEE-dee-a
Greek, hapalo, gende, soft, andphaedros, bright, brilliant, as in
Haplophaedia lugens, the Hoary Puffleg

Haplospiza hap-lo-SPY-za
Greek, hapalo, gende, soft, and spiza, finch, as in Haplospiza
rustica, the Slaty Finch, from the soft appearance of its plumage

Hardwickii hard-W IK-ee-eye

After Thomas Hardwicke, General in the East India Company,
as in Chloropsis hardwickii, the Orange-bellied Leafbird

99
BAR WOODI

----------------------------- ------ ------------------------- - | Heermanni H A IR -m an-nye

L A T I N I N A C T I O N ! After Adolphus Heermann, an American military surgeon-naturalist,
------------------------- ..— ----------------------------------- as in Larus heermanni, Heermann s Gull
j
Being the smallest bird in the world is both a
distinction and a burden. The Bee Hummingbird
Heinrichia, -i hine-RICK-ee-a/eye
After Gerd Heinrich, German zoologist, as in Heinrichia calligyna,
(Mellisuga helenae), once called the Cuban Bee the Great Shortwing
Hummingbird, has a very high metabolism because
of its size, about 2 to 2 /i inches (5 to 6 centimeters) Heinrothi H IN E -rot-eye
long and weighing about 1.7 grams, comparable in After Oskar Heinroth, German zoologist, as in Puffinus heinrothi,
size to a large bee. Some amateur birdwatchers have Heinroths Shearwater
mistaken bees and moths for Bee Hummingbirds.
The small size means that the large surface area of Heleia hel-LAY-ee-a
the bird, which is responsible for heat loss, and the Greek, Helen, as in Heleia muelleri, the Spot-breasted Heleia
small volume of the bird, which produces body heat,
requires that the bird spend 15 percent of its daily
Helenae H EL-en-ee
Greek, Helen, as in Mellisuga helenae, the Bee Hummingbird,
activity eating. Its daily body temperature is 105°F smallest bird in the world; Helenae probably from Helen Booth,
(41 °C) but drops to 86°F (30°C) at night to wife of Charles Booth, British philanthropist
conserve energy. They could not survive without
going into nightly torpor. Mellisuga (honey sucker) is Heliactin hd-ee-A C T-in
a bit misleading because they actually ingest nectar, Greek, helios, sun, and actis, a ray, beam, as in Heliactin bilophus,
not honey, and not by sucking, but by sopping it up the Horned Sungem
with their mop-like tongue.
HeliangelllS hd-ee-an-JEL-us
Greek, helios, sun, and angelus, a messenger or angel, as in Heliangelus
mavors, the Orange-throated Sunangel

Harwoodi HAR-wood-eye
After Leonard Harwood, English naturalist and taxidermist,
as in Ptemistis harwoodi, Harwood s Francolin

Hasitata bas-ih-TA-ta Pterodroma hasitata,

Hesitate, as in Pterodroma hasitata, the Black-capped Petrel, Black-capped Petrel
alluding to the first observer s uncertainty about naming the bird

Hauxwelli HAWKS-wd-lye
After J. Hauxwell, English bird collector, as in Turdus
hauxwelli, Hauxwells Thrush

Hawaiiensis ha-wy-ee-EN-sis
After Hawaii, as in Corvus hawaiiensis, the now extinct
Hawaiian Crow, which is extinct in the wild

Hedydipna hed-ee-DIP-na
Greek, hedy, sweet, dipna, meal, as in Hedydipna collaris,
the Collared Sunbird, which feeds on nectar

100
 H ELOISA

Heliopais hel-ee-o-PYE-is
Greek, helios, sun, and paid, child, as in Heliopais personatus,
the Masked Finfoot; the reference to child may have to do with
the bird’s ability to fly with young tucked into wing pouches

Heliornis hel-ee-OR-nis
Greek, helios, sun, and omis, bird, as in Heliornisfulica, the Sungrebe,
the name coming from the markings on the underside of the wings
that resemble suns

Heliothryx hel-ee-O -thriks

Greek, helios, sun, and thrix, hair, as in Heliothryx auritus, the
Black-eared Fairy; thrix probably refers to the delicate feathering

Hellmayri H EL-m are-eye

After Charles Hellmayr, a German zoologist, as in Anthus hellmayri,
Hellmayr s Pipit

Long-billed Starthroat Helmitheros hei-M iH -ther-os

Greek, helmins, worm, and theros, hunt, as in Helmitheros
vermivorum, the Worm-eating Warbler

Helianthea hel-ee-AN-thee-a Heloisa hei-o-EE -sa

Greek, helios, sun, and anthea, flower, as in Coeligena helianthea, Heloise, French name, as in Atthis heloisa, the Bumblebee
the Blue-throated Starfrondet Hummingbird. Who Heloise was is unclear; here, probably
the nun of Abelard and Heloise fame
Helias HEL-ee-as
Greek, helios, sun, as in Eurypyga helias, the Sunbittern. The pattern
on its outspread wings resembles a rising sun

Heliobates hel-ee-o-BA-teez
Greek, helios, sun, and bates, one that walks or hunts, as in
Camarhynchus heliobates, the Mangrove Finch; inhabits the
Galapagos, a very sunny place

Heliobletus hel-ee-o-BLE-tus
Greek, helios, sun, and bletos, affected, hurt, as in Heliobletus
contaminatus, the Sharp-billed Treehunter; the sun beats down
heavily on this bird

Heliodoxa hel-ee-o-DOK-sa
Greek, helios, sun, and doxa, glory, as in Heliodoxagularis,
the Pink-throated Brilliant

Heliomaster hel-ee-o-M ASS-ter

Greek, helios, sun, and master, to shine, as in Heliomaster longirostris,
the Long-billed Starthroat

Heliothryx auritus,
Black-eared Fairy
101
102
 H ERPSI LO C H MUS

Hemicircus heh-mee-SIR-kus Hemixantha hem -iks-AN -tha

Greek, hemi-, half, and circus, ring, circle, as in Hemicircus concretus, the Greek, hemi-, half, and xanth, yellow, as in Microeca hemixantha,
Gray-and-buffWoodpecker, with scalloped feathering on its wings the Golden-bellied Flyrobin

Hemignathus beb-mig-NJTH-us Hendersoni HEN-der-son-eye

Greek, hemi-, half, andgnathus, jaw, as in Hemignathus (now After George Henderson, English Army officer and traveler,
Chlorodrepanis) virens, the Hawaii Amakihi; the lower jaw is about as in Podoces hendersoni, Hendersons Ground Jay
half as long as the upper jaw
Henslowii henz-LO W -ee-eye
Hemileucurus heh-mi-loy-KOO -rus After John Henslow, English botanist, as in Ammodramus
Greek, hemi-, half, leucos, white, and oura, tail, as in Campylopterus henslowii, Henslow s Sparrow
hemileucurus, the Violet Sabrewing
Herberti H E R -ben-eye
Hemileucus heh-m i-LO Y-kus After E. G. Herbert, English collector and naturalist, as in
Greek, hemi-, half, and leuc-, white, as in Lampomis hemileucus, Stachyris herberti, the Sooty Babbler
the White-bellied Mountaingem
Herbicola her-bi-Ko-u
Hemimacronyx heh-mi-ma-KRON-ih Herbi, grass, and cola, dwell, as in Emberizoides herbicola,
Greek, hemi-, half, makros, large, long, and onux, claw, as in the Wedge-tailed Grass Finch
Hemimacronyx (now Anthus) chloris, the Yellow-breasted Pipit;
hemi- refers to its (half/partial) relationship to the closely Herodias heh-ROD-ee-us
related but debated genus Macronyx, rather than the claw Greek, heron, as in Ardea herodias, the Great Blue Heron

Hemiphaga heh-mee-FA Y-ga Herpetotheres her-pe-to-TH ER-eez

Greek, hemi-, half, andphagein, eat, as in Hemiphaga chathamensis, Greek, herpeto, reptile, and thero, hunt, as in Herpetotheres
the Chatham Pigeon. Shortened from Hemicarpophaga, eater of half cachinnans, the Laughing Falcon
seeds, a description of its feeding habit (disperser of undigested seeds)
Herpsilochmus herp-si-LOK-mus
Hemiprocne heh-m ee-PR OK- n ee Greek, herpso, creep, creeping, and lochmus, thicket
Greek, hemi-, half, and Latin, progne, swallow, as in Hemiprocne Herpsilochmus gentryi, the Ancient Antwren
coronata, the Crested Treeswift; it resembles a swallow but is in
a different family Ardea herodias,
Hemipus HEM-ih-pus
Greek, hemi-, half, and pous, foot, as in Hemipus picatus, the
Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, with smaller legs and feet than
birds of a similar size in the same family

Hemispingus hem -ee-SPIN-gus

Greek, hemi-, half, and spingus, sparrow, as in Hemispingus reyi,
the Gray-capped Hemispingus, a warbler-like tanager

Hemitesia hem-ee-TESS-ee-a
Greek, hemi-, half, and tesia, a genus of warbler, as in Hemitesia
(now Urosphena) neumanni, Neumanns Warbler

Hemithraupis hem -ee-TH RAW -pis

Greek, hemi-, half, and thraupis, a small bird, as in Hemithraupis
ruficapilla, the Rufous-headed Tanager

103
 P hillip Clancey
( 1917- 2001)

BornClancey
in 1917 in Glasgow, Scotland, Phillip
was educated there and developed
was deafened in one ear by an artillery explosion.
Despite the hardships of war he pursued his
his artistic skills at the Glasgow School of Art. avocation during the conflict and collected a race
He showed an early interest in birds and joined of the Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator) in Sicily.
the British Ornithologists’ Union at the age of 20. In 1948 and 1949 he accompanied Col.
Over the next 16 years he published a variety of Richard Meinertzhegen as a field assistant on an
papers on the systematics of birds, especially those ornithological expedition to Yemen, Aden, Somalia,
of Scotland. Thirty-three of his holotypes and 5,500 Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa. At one point
Western Palearctic bird skins he collected are now Meinertzhegen and Clancey had a heated argument
housed at the National Museum of Scotland. about bustards in Namibia that became so violent
Clancey served with the allied forces in the they drew guns on each other. The bird skinner
British Army in Sicily and Italy in World War II, and intervened to defuse the situation. Another time
Meinertzhegen abandoned Clancey when he was
very ill. Meinertzhegen later published the findings
of this expedition in Birds of Arabia without ever
mentioning Clancey s considerable contributions
to the research.
Clancey immigrated to South Africa in 1950
and was hired as the curator of the Natal Museum
in Pietermartizburg, even though he had no formal
education beyond secondary school. In 1952 he
became the director of the Durban Museum and
Art Gallery, a position he held until his retirement
in 1982. He also served as president of the Southern
African Museum Association, president of the
Southern Africa Ornithological Society, and was
long-standing president of the Natal Bird Club.
The American Ornithologists’ Union honored
him by naming him corresponding fellow.

W o o d ch a t Shrike,

Lanius senator

Latin. Lanius, means butcher and senator refers to the

senatorial robe-tike pattern of the male's back.
104
 PHILLIP CtANCEY

During his tenure as Troglodytes trog lod ytes indigenus,

director of the Durban Eurasian Wren

Museum and Art Gallery, Named Troglodytes troglodytes
Clancey participated in, Clancey.
indigenus by
initiated, and led 32
ornithological expeditions
to various parts of Southern
Africa. He compiled a large He was awarded an
number of new distribution honorary Doctor of
records and collected many Science from the Univer­
specimens for the museum. sity of Natal, the Gill
His expeditions to Memorial Medal of the
Mozambique were especially important because he Southern African Ornithological Society, and a
succeeded in bringing back the largest number of fellowship from the Museum Association in London,
specimens ever collected from this country. He England. He named over 200 subspecies of African
donated his collection of nearly 32,000 bird skins, birds and several avian subspecies were named after
considered to be the finest in Africa, to the museum. Clancey by other ornithologists. He continued as a
He prepared many of these skins himself and was research associate of the Durban Museum and Art
noted for his expertise in this area. Unfortunately, he Gallery until his death in 2001 at the age of 83.
was not the most ethical of collectors; he was criticized A life-long bachelor, Clancey focused
for his disregard for restrictions stated on collecting almost exclusively on his ornithological and
permits. At one point, he was arrested for collecting museum work, but in later years he increasingly
without a permit and his shotgun was confiscated. He devoted himself to painting and taking on
later bought that same shotgun back at an auction. commissions. He was so adept at painting that
Clancey wrote and published extensively, amassing when someone for whom he had painted a bird
over 600 publications, several of which were substan­ pointed out that the eye color was wrong, Clancey
tial and respected works, such as The Birds of Natal changed it with one brushstroke. His artistic talents
and Zululand (1964), The Rare Birds of Southern are evident not only in the many bird paintings
Afica (1985), and The Birds of Southern Mozambique presented in his books, but also in the dioramas on
(1996), which he illustrated with his own paintings. display in the Durban Natural Science Museum.
Clancey also co-authored the second volume of the He repainted some of the dioramas up to six times
Atlas ofSpeciation of African Birds, published by the until they met his standards. His portraits of birds
British Natural History Museum in 1978. are still in great demand by collectors.

"Clancey was a rare combination o f scientist, author; artist, and administrator”

David Allan, T h e A u k (2003)

105
H E S V E R I I’ H O N A

Hesperiphona hess-pear-ih-PH ONE-a Hiaticula hy-at-ih-K U L-a

Greek, hesperis, evening, and phone, sound, as in Hesperiphona Hiatus, cleft, opening, and cula, inhabit, dwell, as in Charadrius
vespertina, the Evening Grosbeak hiaticula, the Common Ringed Plover

Heterocercus he-ter-o-SIR-kus Hildebrandti H IL-de-brant-eye

Greek, heteros, different, and cerco, tail, as in Heterocercusflavivertex, After Johann Hildebrandt, German collector, as in Ptemistis
the Yellow-crested Manakin. The tails of this Manakin genus are hildebrandti, Hildebrandt s Francolin
different from other Manakin genera
Himantopus him -an-TO -pus
Heterolaemus he-ter-o-LEE-m us Greek, himanto, strap, and pous, foot, as in Himantopus mexicanus,
Greek, heteros, different, and laemus, throat as in Phyllergates the Black-necked Stilt, with long legs
heterolaemus, the Rufous-headed Tailorbird; the white throat
stands out from the rest o f the plumage Himantornis him -an-TO R-nis
Greek, himanto, strap, and omis, bird, as in Himantornis haematopus,
Heteromyias he-ter-o-MY-ee-as the Nkulengu Rail
Greek, heteros, different, and muia, fly, as in Heteromyias
albispecularis, the Ashy Robin. Probably refers to the slightly Himatione bib -m a-tee-O W N-ee
different flycatcher diet of this bird Greek, cloak, as in Himatione sanguinea, the Apapane, whose
plumage looks like a red cloak
Heteronetta he-ter-o-NET-ta
Greek, heteros, different, and netta, duck, as in Heteronetta atricapilla, Hirsuta, -U S her-SO O T-a/us
the Black-headed Duck; an unusual duck, falling somewhere between Hairy, rough, as in Glaucis hirsutus, the Rufous-breasted Hermit;
the diving and stiff-tailed ducks immature birds o f this species have hairy-looking throats

Heterophasia he-ter-o-FAZ-ee-a Hirundapus here-un-DAP-us

Greek, heteros, different, and phasia, speech, as in Heterophasia Hirund, swallow, and Greek,pous, foot, as in Hirundapus
auricularis, the White-eared Sibia; presumably named for its call celebensis, the Purple Needletail. Swifts and swallows resemble each
other and have small feet
Heteroscelus heh-ter-os-SEL-us
Greek, heteros, different, and skelos, leg, as in Heteroscelus brevipes, Hirundinacea, -us, -um
the Gray-tailed Tatder, with different scaling on its legs; new DNA here-un-di-N AC E -ee-a/us/um
evidence puts the bird into the genus Tringa Like a swallow, as in Euphonia hirundinacea, the Yellow-
throated Euphonia
Heuglinii, -i, hoy-G LIN-ee-eye/H O Y-glin-eye
After Theodor von Heuglin, German engineer and ornithologist, Hirundo here-UN-do
as in Neotis heuglinii, Heuglin s Bustard Swallow, as in Hirundo rustica, the Barn Swallow

Hispaniolensis hiss-pan-ee-o-LEN-sis
After Hispaniola, as in Contopus hispaniolensis, the
Hispaniolan Pewee

Histrionicus hiss-tree-ON-ih-kus
Histrionic, from histro, actor, as in Histrionicus histrionicus, the
Harlequin Duck, referring to its brightly patterned, clown-like feathers

Hodgsoni H oj- son-eye

After Brian Hodgson, an official of the East India Company,
as in Phoenicurus hodgsoni, Hodgsons Redstart

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 HYDRANASSA

L AT I N IN A C T I O N
Horns h o r -us
Egyptian sun god, as in Apus horus, the Horus Swift, so named
probably because it flies high against the bright sky.
Dohrn’s Thrush-Babbler (Horizorhinus dohrni) is
one of several birds whose ranges are so restricted
Hottenrottus hot-ten-TO T-tus
After the indigenous Khoi Khoi people of southern Africa,
and isolated that not much is known about them. as in Dicrurus hottentottus, the Hair-crested Drongo
Also called the Principe Flycatcher-babbler, it is
restricted to the small islands of Sao Tome and Hudsonia hud-SO N E-ee-a
Principe off the west coast of Guinea. The only After Hudson s Bay, Canada, as in Pica hudsonia, the
member of its genus Horizorhinus (horizontal bill), Black-billed Magpie
recent DNA information puts it in the genus Sylvia
(inhabiting the woods), the Old W orld Warblers. Hudsonicus, -a hud-som h-kus/u
After Hudsons Bay, Canada, as in Poecile hudsonicus,
the Boreal Chickadee

Humboldti H U M -bolt-eye
After Baron Alexander von Humboldt, Prussian naturalist
and explorer, as in Spheniscus humboldti, the Humboldt Penguin

Humei H E W M -eye
After Allan Hume, writer on Indian birds, as in Phylloscopus
humei, Hume’s Leaf Warbler

Humeralis hoo-mer-AL-is
O f the shoulder, as in Agelaius humeralis, the Tawny-shouldered
Hoffmanni, -li H O F -m an-nye/hof-M AN -nee-eye Blackbird, referring to the colored epaulet
After Karl Hoffmann, German naturalist, as in Pyrrhura hoffmanni,
the Sulphur-winged Parakeet Humilis hoo-MiL-is
Lowly, as in Eupodotis humilis, the Little Brown
Holochlora, -U S hol-o-K LO R-a/us Bustard, which flies infrequendy
Greek, holo, whole, and chlor, green, as in Psittacara holochlorus,
the Green Parakeet Hunteri H U N -ter-eye
After H. C. V. Hunter, English zoologist and big game hunter,
Holosericeus hol-o-ser-ISS-ee-us as in Cisticola hunteri, Hunters Cisticola
Greek, holo, whole, and seric, silken, as in Eulampis holosericeus,
the Green-throated Carib, which is silky smooth and iridescent Huttoni H U T-ton-eye
over much of the body After William Hutton, collector, as in Vireo huttoni, Huttons Vireo

Homochroa, -us ho -m o-K RO -a/us Hybrida hy-BRw-a

Greek, homo, like, same, and chroa, the skin, as in Oceanodroma Hybrid, as in Chlidonias hybrida, the Whiskered Tern, hybrid
homochroa, the Ashy Storm Petrel, which is ashy gray all over probably referring to the variety of plumage and sizes in the various
geographic races of the species
Horizorhinus hor-ih-zo-RIN E-us
Greek, horiz, horizon, and rhinos, bill, as in Horizorhinus dohrni, Hydranassa hy-dra-NAss-sa
Dohrns Thrush-Babbler (see box) Greek, hydro, water, and anassa, queen, as in Hydranassa (now
Egretta) tricolor, the Tricolored Heron
Hornemanni H O R -ne-m an-nye
After Jens Hornemann, a Danish botanist, as in Acanthis
hornemanni, the Arctic Redpoll

107
H Y D R O B A T %%

Hydrobates hy-ro-BA-teez
Greek, hydro, water, and bates, one that walks or hunts, as in
Hydrobates pelagicus, the European Storm Petrel

Hydrocharis hy -dro-KAR-is
Greek, hydro, water, and charis, favor, grace, as in Tanysiptera
hydrocharis, the Litde Paradise Kingfisher

Hydrophasianus hy-dro-fas-ee-AN-us
Greek, hydro, water, and Latin, phasianus, pheasant, as in
Hydrophasianus chirurgus, the Pheasant-tailed Jacana, a water bird

Hydroprogne hy-dro-PROG-nee
Greek, hydro, water, and Latin,progne, swallow, as in Hydroprogne
caspia, the Caspian Tern

Hydropsalis hy-drop-SAL-is
Greek, hydro, water, andpsalis, scissors, as in Hydropsalis torquata,
the Scissor-tailed Nightjar, which feeds over flooded grasslands Hylonympha macrocerca,
during the tropical rainy season Scissor-tailed Hummingbird

Hyemalis hy-eh-M AL-is

Hiems, winter, and meaning wintry, as in Junco hyemalis, the Hypocnemius hy-pok-N EM -ee-us
Dark-eyed Junco, which nests in the far north of North America Greek, hyper, over, above, and cnemi-, lower leg, as in
Hypocnemius peruviana, the Peruvian Warbling Antbird,
Hylocharis hy -io-KAR-is whose legs seem long for its short tail
Greek, hyle, woods, and charis, favor, grace, as in Hylocharis
(now Basilinna) leucotis, the White-eared Hummingbird Hypocondria hy-po-KON-dree-a
Greek, hyper, over, above, and khondros, cartilage (of the breastbone),
Hylocichla hy-io-sicK-u as in Poospiza hypocondria, the Rufous-sided Warbling Finch; refers
Greek, hyle, woods, and kichle, thrush, as in Hylocichla mustelina, to its rufous-sided chest
the Wood Thrush
Hypogrammica hy-po- G RAM - m i-ka
Hylocryptus hy -io -K R ip -tus Greek, hyper, over, above, andgrammikos, lined, letter, as in
Greek, hyle, woods, and crypt-, hidden, as in Hylocryptus rectirostris, Pytilia hypogrammica, the Yellow-winged Pytilia, with a
the Henna-capped Foliage-gleaner; presumably so-named because it lined/barred underside
is brownish and therefore hard to see
Hypoleuca, -us hy-po-LO Y-ka/kus
Hylonympha hy -io-N iM -fa Greek, hypo, less than, and leukos, white, as in Synthliboramphus
Greek, hyle, woods, and nympha, nymph, as in Hylonympha hypoleucus, the Guadalupe (once Xantuss) Murrelet, as it has less
macrocerca, the Scissor-tailed Hummingbird white than the Marbled Murrelet

Hypei'borea, -us hy-per-BOR-ee-a/us Hypositta hy-po-siT-u

Greek, hyper, over, above, and bore, north, northern, as in Larus Greek, hypo, less than, and sitt-a, nuthatch, as in Hypositta
hyperboreus, the Glaucous Gull, referring to its home range corallirostris, the Nuthatch Vanga

Hyperythra, -thrus hy-per-IH -thra/thrus Hypoxantha, -us hy-f oks-ANTH-a/us

Greek, hyper, over, above, and erythros, red, as in Ficedula hyperythra, Greek, hypo, less than, and xanth, yellow, as in Chelidorhynx
the Snowy-browed Flycatcher, referring to its very red (orange) chest hypoxantha, the Yellow-bellied Fantail

108
 ICTINAETUS

I
Ianthinogaster eye-an-thin-o-G AS-ter
Icterorhynchus ik -ter-o -R IN K - us
Greek, ikteros, yellow, and Latin, rhynchus, bill, as in Otus
icterorhynchus, the Sandy Scops Owl, with a yellow bill

Icterotis ik-ter-O -tis

Greek, ianthin-, violet, and gaster, stomach, as in Uraeginthus Greek, ikteros, yellow, and otid, ear, as in Ognorhynchus icterotis, the
ianthinogaster, the Purple Grenadier Yellow-eared Parrot

Ibericus eye-BER-ih-kus Icterus IK-ter-us

After Iberia (Spain and Portugal), as in Phylloscopus ibericus, Greek, ikteros, yellow, as in Icterus spurius, the Orchard Oriole; myth
the Iberian ChiffchafF has it that the sight of an oriole would cure jaundice

I b i d o r h y n c h a eye-bid-o-RINK-a Ictinaetus ik-tin-E E -tus

Greek, ibidos, ibis, and rhynch-, bill, as in Ibidorhyncha Greek, iktinos, a kite, and aetus, an eagle, as in Ictinaetus
struthersii, the Ibisbill malaiensis, the Black Eagle

IbiS E YE -bis
Greek, ibis, stork-like bird, as in Mycteria ibis, the Yellow-billed Stork

Ibycter eye-BICK-ter Icterus spurius,

Greek, ibu, shout, ibukter, singer, as in Ibycter americanus, Orchard Oriole
the Red-throated Caracara, with a loud and distinct call

Ichthyaetus ik-thee-EE-tus
Greek, icthy, fish, and aetus, eagle, as in Ichthyaetus
melanocephalus, the Mediterranean Gull

Ichthyophaga ik-thee-o-FA Y-ga

Greek, icthy, fish, andphagein, eat, as in Ichthyophaga
(now Haliaeetus) humilis, the Lesser Fish Eagle

Icteria ik-T E R -ee-a

Greek, ikteros, yellow, as in Icteria virens, the Yellow-breasted Chat

Icterina, -us ik - ter-E E -na/nus

Greek, ikteros, yellow, as in Hippolais icterina,
the Icterine Warbler, a pale yellow bird

Icterocephala, -us ik-ter-o-se-FAL-a/us

Greek, ikteros, yellow, and Latin, cephala, head, as in Tangara
icterocephala, the Silver-throated Tanager, with a yellow head

Icterophrys ik-ter-O -friss

Greek, ikteros, yellow, and oprys, eyebrow, as in Satrapa icterophrys,
the Yellow-browed Tyrant

Icteropygialis ik-ter-o-pij-ee-AL-is
Greek, ikteros, yellow, and puge, rump, as in Eremomela icteropygialis,
the Yellow-bellied Eremomela

109
I C T 1 N IA

L A T I N I N A C T I O N

The Short-tailed Finch is a bird with a short tail

that resembles a starling, as described by its
scientific name, Idiopsar brachyurus. It is the only
one in its genus and one of those species with
a limited distribution, in this case the high Andes
of Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina, at elevations of
10,800 to 15,000 feet (3,300 to 4,600 meters), in a
treeless, rocky steppe habitat. Now a member of
the family Emberizidae (the buntings and sparrows),
it was once considered part of the blackbird family
(Icteridae). This debate has been going on since
1886, when the bird was first described.

Ictinia ik-riN -ee-a Ignobilis ig-NO-bii-is

Greek, iktinos, a kite, as in Ictinia plumbea, the Plumbeous Undistinguished, of low birth, obscure, as in Turdus ignobilis,
Kite; bird kites were named alter childrens toy kites because the Black-billed Thrush, a plain-colored bird
of the way they fly
Iheringi EER-ing-eye
Idiopsar id-ee-OP-sar After Hermann von Ihering, a German ornithologist, as in
Greek, idio, peculiar, andpsar, speckled or starling, as in Myrmotherula iheringi, Ihering s Antwren
Idiopsar brachyurus, the Short-tailed Finch (see box), which
vaguely resembles a starling Ijimae ee-JEE-mee
After I. Ijima, first president of the Ornithological Society of Japan,
Ifrita eye-FRIT-a as in Phylloscopus ijimae, the Ijimas Leaf Warbler
After ijrit, supernatural creatures of fire in Arabic and Islamic
culture, as in Ifrita kowaldi, the Blue-capped Ifrit. This genus is Iliaca, -U S il-ee-AK-a/us
one of only three to contain poisonous birds After ilia-, the flank, loin, as in Passerella iliaca, the Fox Sparrow,
so named because its most northern population is fox-colored;
Igneus IG-nee-us iliaca refers to the heavily streaked flanks
Fiery, as in Pericrocotus igneus, the Fiery Minivet
Ilicura u - ih - K o o - n
Ignicapilla ig-ni-ka-piL-u Greek, helix, curl, twist, and oura, tail, as in Ilicura militaris, the
Ignis, fire, and capilla, hair, as in Regulus ignicapilla, Pin-tailed Manakin, named for its central pintail feathers and its
the Common Firecrest plumage, which resembles a military uniform

Ignicauda ig-ni-KAw-da Illadopsis il-la-DOP-sis

Ignis, fire, and cauda, tail, as in Aethopyga ignicauda, Greek, illis, thrush, and opsis, appearance, as in Illadopsis cleaveri,
the Fire-tailed Sunbird the Blackcap Illadopsis

Ignipectus ig-ni-PEK-tus Immaculata, -U S im -m ak-oo-LAT-a/us

Ignis, fire, and pectus, breast, as in Dicaeum ignipectus, Immaculate, as in Myrmeciza immaculata, the Blue-lored
the Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Antbird, immaculate perhaps because of its uniform plumage

110
 I N D I S T I N C 'I' A

Immer IM -m er Incertus w - s e r t - us
Immersus, dive, plunge into, as in Gavia immer, the Uncertain, as in Pseudorectes incertus, the White-bellied Pitohui;
Great Northern Loon or Diver very little is known about this bird

Immutabilis im -m oo-TA-bil-is Incognita in-kog-N EE-ta

Unchanging, as in Phoebastria immutabilis, the Laysan Albatross; Disguised, concealed, as in Megalaima incognita, the
juveniles are very similar to adults, hence the name Moustached Barbet

Impennis im -PEN -nis Indica w -M -ka

Featherless, as in Pinguinus impennis, the now extinct Great Auk; After India, as in Chalcophaps indica, the Common Emerald Dove
although not featherless, the birds feathers were not for flying
Indicator in-di-K A -tor
Imperialis im-per-ee-AL-is That which points out, indicates, as in Indicator indicator,
Having a commanding presence, as in Amazona imperialis, the the Greater Honeyguide. These birds eat beeswax and lead
Imperial Amazon, a spectacular green and purple parrot humans to beehives to expose the hive

Implicata im -pli-K AT-a Indicus IN -di-kus

Implicatus, to involve, implicate, entwine, as in Pachycephala After India, as in Caprimulgus indicus, the Jungle Nightjar, whose
implicata, the Hooded Whistler common name comes from its long“night-jrrrrrrrrrrrrrr” call

Importunus im -por-TO ON-us Indigo iN-di-go

Inconvenient, annoying, persistent, as in Andropadus Indicum, the color indigo, as in Eumyias indigo, the Indigo Flycatcher
importunus, the Sombre Greenbul; perhaps named
after its monotonous whistle-like call Indistincta in-dis-T IN K -ta
Indistinct, obscure, as in Lichmera indistincta, the Brown Honeyeater
Inca iNK-a
After the Inca Empire, as in Columbina inca, the Inca Dove;
although named after the Incas, it does not occur in the Incan Pinguinus impennis,
area of South America Great Auk

Incanum, -us, -a in -K A N -um /us/a

Gray, as in Tringa incana, the Wandering Tattler,
with a gray back

111
INDU S

Insignis in-SIG -nis

Conspicuous, eminent, as in Ardea insignis, the
White-bellied Heron or Imperial Heron

Insularis in-soo-LAR-is
Insula, island, as in Passer insularis, the Socotra Sparrow of
three islands in the Indian Ocean

Intermedia in-ter-M EE-dee-a

Intermedius, intermediate, as in Egretta intermedia,
the Intermediate Egret, a medium-sized heron

Tityra inquisitor, Internigrans in-ter-N YE -granz

Black-crowned Tityra Inter, between, among, and nig, dark, black, as in Perisoreus
internigrans, the Sichuan Jay, which is various shades of
black and gray
Indus iN-dus
India, as in Haliastur indus, the Brahminy Kite or Interpres m-ur-press
Red-backed Sea Eagle Inter, between, andpre-, before, go-between, broker, as in Arenaria
interpres, the Ruddy Turnstone, for its habit of turning over stones
Inepta in-EP-ta
Ineptus, silly, foolish, as in Megacrex inepta, the New Guinea Involucris in-vo-LO O -kris
Flightless Rail, named for its inability to fly away from threats Involucre, to wrap, as in Ixobrychus involucris, the
Striped-backed Bittern
Inexpectata in-du-pek-TA-t*
Unexpected, as in Pterodroma inexpectata, the Mottled Petrel, Iodopleura eye-o-doe-PLUR-a
native to New Zealand but occurs unexpectedly in other areas Greek, iodo, violet, and pleura, side, as in Iodopleura pipra,
the Buff-throated Purpletuft
Infelix in -FEL-liks
Unhappy, unfortunate, as in Symposiacbrus infelix, the Manus
Monarch. The type specimen upon which the species was named is Ixobrychus involucris,
said to have been in a sad condition, having been badly shot Striped-backed Bittern

Infuscata, - U S in-foos-KAT-a/us
Dusky, darkened, as in Aerodramus infuscatus, the Halmahera Swiftlet

Ingens IN -jenz
Large, remarkable, as in Megascops ingens, the Rufescent Screech
Owl, one of the larger species of screech owls

Inornatus, -a in-or-N A T-us/a

Without adornments, plain, as in Baeolophus inornatus,
the Oak Titmouse, formerly the Plain Titmouse

Inquieta, -ius in-kwee-EH -ta/ee-us

Restless, agitated, as in Myiagra inquieta, the Restless Flycatcher

Inquisitor m - u r n - zi-tor
Inquisitor, investigator, as in Tityra inquisitor, the Black-crowned
Tityra; probably from their head movements when foraging

112
 1X o s

I o l e eye-0-lee
Greek, mythical daughter of Eurytus, as in Iole virescens,
the Olive Bulbul, the common name deriving from Persian
for nightingale The Sunda Bulbul (Ixos virescens) lives in Sumatra
and Java, in Indonesia. Sunda comes from the
I p h l S EYE-fiss
Greek, mightily, strongly, as in Pomarea iphis, the Iphis Monarch
name of the strait connecting the Java Sea to the
Indian Ocean. Bulbul derives from the Persian
Irania ee-RAH N -ee-a bolbol, and means nightingale, although the bulbul
After Iran, as in Iraniagutturalis, the White-throated Robin does not belong to the nightingale family but to
(actually an Old World flycatcher) Pycnonotidae, the bulbuls and greenbuls. Named
after mistletoe, it also eats a variety of fruits as
Irena ee- R EN -a well as insects, spiders, and other arthropods.
Greek goddess of peace, as in Irena puella, the Asian Fairy-bluebird A gregarious species, the Sunda Bulbul often
Iriditorques ih-rid-ih-TO R-kw eez
forages in flocks of three to six
birds of its own species as well
Iris, rainbow, and torques, collar, as in Columba iriditorques,
as mixed species flocks,
the Western Bronze-naped Pigeon
which it seems to
Iridophanes ih-rid-o-FAN-eez prefer.
Iris, rainbow, and Greek, phane, visible, as in Iridophanes
pulcherrimus, the Golden-collared Honeycreeper Ixos virescens,
Sunda Bulbul
Iridoprocne ih-rid-o-PRO K-nee
Iris, rainbow, and Procne, who in Greek mythology was turned into
a swallow by the gods, as in Iridoprocne (now Tachycineta) bicolor,
the Tree Swallow

Iridosornis ih-rid-o-SO R-nis

Iris, rainbow, and omis, bird, as in Iridosornis rufivertex,
the Golden-crowned Tanager
Ixobrychus iks-o-BRicK-us
I r iS E YE -ris Greek, iksos, and brykein, to devour, as in Ixobrychus exilis,
Rainbow, as in Pitta iris, the Rainbow Pitta the Least Bittern

Isabellae ih-sa-BEL-lee Ixoreus iks-OR-ee-us

After Queen Isabel of Spain, as in Oriolus isabellae, Greek, iksos, mistletoe, and oro, a mountain, as in Ixoreus
the Isabela Oriole naevius, the Varied Thrush, referring to its preferred
mountain habitat and diet
Isidori iz-ih-D O R-eye
After Isidore GeofFroy St. Hilaire, French zoologist and collector, Ixos IKS-os
as in Spizaetus isidori, Black-and-chestnut Eagle Greek, iksos, mistletoe, as in Ixos virescens, the Sunda Bulbul
(see box)
Islandica iss-LA N -dik-a
After Iceland, as in Bucephala islandica, Barrows Goldeneye

Ispidina iss-p-DEEN-a
From hispidus, rough, shaggy, hairy, as in Ispidina picta,
the African Pygmy Kingfisher

113
 James B ond
( 1900- 1989)
explored fairly thoroughly with the exception of
Birdthewatchers may be surprised to discover that
original, real, James Bond, after whom Ian some of the more southern Bahamas,” he wrote in
Fleming’s fictional character was named, was one of 1960. “Of the native West Indian species of birds and
their own. Bond was born January 4, 1900, in those known to have been successfully introduced I
Philadelphia, but when his mother died in 1914, he encountered approximately 98 percent in life.”
moved to England with his British-born father. There He led a series of trips to document avian species
he went to private school and then to Cambridge throughout the Caribbean. One island that fasci­
University, completing his degree in 1922. nated him was Jamaica, where he noticed that many
His interest in ornithology was sparked by his of the bird species native to that island originated
ornithologist father’s expedition to the Orinoco from North America, and not South America as had
Delta right after graduation. He returned to the US, been originally assumed. Later trips to Jamaica and
and spent three years working as a banker, but his other Caribbean islands led him to the theory that
interest in natural history led him to take on a role in the boundary between North and South American
an expedition sponsored by the Academy of Natural species lay off the northeast coast of Venezuela and
Sciences, which involved surveying the birds of the Columbia, now called the Bond Line. Bond wrote up
West Indies. He travelled extensively through the the seminal book of Caribbean bird-watching, Birds
islands for many decades, spending long periods in of the West Indies, originally published in 1936 and
Cuba and Hispaniola. “Virtually the entire area was for many years the only definitive bird identification
book of the area. He visited more than 100 islands
and collected 294 of the 300 bird species there,
often while plying the water around the islands in
makeshift canoes. He ultimately wrote more than
100 scientific papers on Caribbean birds.
His Birds of the West Indies was widely read
by bird-watchers in the Caribbean area. One such
bird-watcher, Ian Fleming, had an estate on the north
coast of Jamaica and used Bond’s book as a guide
for his birding forays. His selection of Bond’s name
for the hero of his spy novels made the name, if not

Todus todus,
Jamaican Tody

The Jamaican Tody is endemic to Jamaica;

todillus is Latin for small bird.

114
 JAMES BOND

"The country seems very large!”

James Bond, aged 53. He made this remark en route to Michigan, travelling west o f Philadelphia for the first time.

the man, famous. Fleming chose the name because he During a full professional life, Bond was a curator
liked its strength and simplicity, and figured that the at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia,
real Bond had no objections, although he was not a fellow of the American Ornithologists’ Union,
asked. Bond did not even notice for several years. and a member of the British Ornithologists’ Union.
The popularity of Flemings books eventually caused In 1952 he received the Musgrave Medal from the
some consternation to the ornithologist. Bond’s wife Institute of Jamaica, and in 1954 he was awarded
Mary wrote jokingly to Fleming that she was appalled the William Brewster Memorial Award, the most
that in the novel Dr. No, the wily rascal was named James prestigious accolade in American ornithology, by the
Bond. In response, Fleming said that James could sue if American Ornithologists’ Union for his work on
he wished or “Perhaps one day he will discover some West Indian birds, and the Leidy Medal of the
particularly horrible species of bird which he would like Academy of Natural Sciences in 1975.
to christen in an insulting fashion.” Interestingly, Fleming He died in Philadelphia at age 89.
used a bird sanctuary on Crab Key on Inagua Island in
the Bahamas as the setting for Dr. No.
In 1964 James and his wife Mary were in the
Caribbean to continue research on bird species and
decided to pay a surprise visit to Ian Fleming, who
had on the first exchange of letters invited them to his
estate in Jamaica. Fleming was very ill, with about six
months to live. By chance the BBC was doing an
interview with Fleming, who had become almost as
famous as the fictional James Bond, so they were able
to film the one and only meeting between these two
authors. At first Fleming was somewhat suspicious,
asking Bond to identify some of the birds they saw
on the premises. But once Bond passed the test, this
was probably the best day Fleming would have for
the rest of his life.

Ardea herodias,
Great Blue Heron

A Great Blue Heron in Galapagos National Park has been

nicknamed James Bond because its band/ring number is 007.

115
JA BIRU

Jacksoni j a k -son-eye
After Frederick Jackson, English administrator, naturalist,
and ornithologist, as in Tockusjacksoni, Jacksons Hornbill

J
Jabiru ^-beer-oo
Jacobinus ja-ko-BiNE-us
After Dominican friars or Jacobins, as in Clamatorjacobinus,
the Jacobin or Pied Cuckoo; both the friars and the birds are
white with a black “cloak”
From Tupi (indigenous to Brazil), swollen neck, as in Jabiru mycteria,
die Jabiru; the head and upper neck are naked and black, with a Jacqumotl jak-kw ee-N O TE -eye
naked leather-like red expandable pouch at the base After Charles Jacquinot, French explorer, as in Ninoxjacquinoti,
the Solomons Boobook
Jacamaralcyon ja k -a-mar-AL-see-on
Jacamar, from Tupi (indigenous to Brazil), and Greek, alkuon, JclC 11C tlC cl ja-koo-K A-ka
kingfisher, as inJacamaralcyon tridactyla, the Three-toed Jacamar Tupi name, as in Penelopejacucaca, the White-browed Guan

Jacamerops ja-ka-MER-ops Jacula ja-K O O -la

Jacamar, from Tupi (indigenous to Brazil), and merops, bee, Jacul-, throw, as in Heliodoxajacula, the Green-crowned
as in Jacamerops aureus, the Great Jacamar Brilliant; large for a hummingbird, it feeds while perched
but darts to other perches
Jacana ja -KA-na
Tupi-Guanari language, as in Jacana spinosa, the Northern Jacana Jamaicensis ja-may-sEN-sis
After Jamaica, as in Buteojamaicensis, the Red-tailed Hawk
J a C a r i l i a ja-ka-R E E N -a
Tupi name for one who jumps up and down, as in Volatiniajacarina, Jambu jAM-boo
the Blue-black Grassquit, the male of which jumps into the air Sanskrit, rose-apple tree, as in Ptilinopusjambu,
while singing the Jambu Fruit Dove

Jamesi j a m e z -eye
After Henry James, a British businessman, as in Phoenicoparrus
jamesi, James's Flamingo

Jamesoni jA Y -m eb -son-eye
After James Jameson, Irish hunter and naturalist, as in Platysteira
jamesoni, Jamesons Wattle-eye

Jankowski! jan-KO W -skee-eye

After Michael Jankowski, Polish zoologist, as in Emberiza
jankowskii, Jankowskis Bunting

Janthina ja n-T H E E N -a
Greek, ianthinos, violet-colored, as in Columbajanthina,
the Japanese Wood Pigeon

Japonica, -us, ja-poN-ik-a/us

O f Japan, as in Zosteropsjaponicus, the Japanese White-eye

Jardineii, ~ijar-D IN E -ee-eye/jar-D IN E -ee

After William Jardine, Scottish ornithologist, as in Turdoides
jardineii, the Arrow-marked Babbler
 JYNX

Javanica, -us ja-V A N -ih-ka/kus

O f Java, as in Rhipidurajavanica, the Malaysian Pied Fantail

Jelskii j e l -skee-eye
After Konstanty Jelski, Polish ornithologist, as in
Silvicultrixjelskii, Jelskis Chat-Tyrant

Jerdoni JER-don-eye
After Thomas Jerdon, British physician and naturalist,
as in Avicedajerdoni, Jerdon s Baza

Jocosus jo-K O -sus

Full of fun, as in Pycnonotusjocosus, the Red-whiskered Bulbul

Johannae jo-HAN-nee
After Johanna Verreaux, wife of Jules Verreaux, as in Cinnyris
johannae, Johanna’s Sunbird

JefFeryi JEF-free-eye
After the father of John Whitehead, English explorer and naturalist, Jynx ruficollis,
and professional collector, Jeffery Whitehead, as in Pithecophaga Red-throated Wryneck
jefferyi, the Phillipine Eagle

Johnstoni JO N -stun-eye Jubata, -us, -ula joo-B AT-a/us/joo-ba-TO O -la

After Harry Johnston, English explorer and administrator, as in Jubatus, a crest or mane, as in Chenonettajubata, the Australian
Ruwenzoromisjohnstoni, Ruwenzori Turaco Wood Duck/Maned Duck

Johnstoniae jon-STO N E -ee-eye Jugularis jug-oo-LAR-is

After Marion Johnstone, famous aviculturist, as in Tarsiger Jugularis, of the collarbone, throat, neck, as in Brotogerisjugularis,
johnstoniae, the Collared Bush Robin the Orange-chinned Parakeet

Jonquillaceus jon-kw il-LA C E -ee-us J u l i e JO O -lee

French, narcissus, as in Aprosmictusjonquillaceus, the Jonquil Parrot; After Julie Mulsant, wife of the French naturalist, Martial
perhaps because of the yellowish-olive wing coverts that resemble the Mulsant, as in Damophilajulie, the Violet-bellied Hummingbird
yellow of narcissus
Juncidis jun-siD-is
Josefinae/Josephinae joseh-FiN-ee Juncus, rush, as in Cisticolajuncidis, the Zitting Cisticola or
After the wife of German ornithologist Friedrich Finsch, as in Fan-tailed Warbler, found in grasslands, often near water
Charmosynajosefinae, Josephine s Lorikeet; and as in Hemitriccus
josephinae, the Boat-billed Tody-Tyrant Junco J U N K -0
Juncus, rush, as in junco hyemalis, the Dark-eyed Junco. An odd
Jourdanii joor-D AN -ee-eye generic name as they are not wetland birds
After a collector in Trinidad, as in Chaetocercusjourdanii,
the Rufous-shafted Woodstar Jynx j in k s
Wryneck, as in Jynx ruficollis, the Red-throated Wryneck,
Jouyi joo -ee-eye with a very flexible neck
After Pierre Jouy, American diplomat and naturalist, as in
Columbajouyi, the extinct Ryukyu Wood Pigeon

117
KAEM PFERI

K
Kaempferi K EM P-fer -eye
After Emil Kaempfer, German collector, as in Hemitriccus
kaempferi, Kaempfer s Tody-Tyrant

Kaestneri KEST-ner-eye
After Peter Kaestner, American diplomat, as in Grallaria kaestneri,
the Cundinamarca Antpitta, after Cundinamarca, Colombia

Kakamega ka-ka -M A Y-ga

After the Kakamega Rainforest in Kenya, as in Kakamega
poliothorax, the Gray-chested Babbler Macrosphenus kempi,
Kemp’s Longbill
Kansuensis kan-su-EN-sis
After Kansu/Gansu Province, China, as in Phylloscopus kansuensis,
the Gansu Leaf Warbler Keraudrenii ke-raw-D REN-ee-eye
After Pierre Keraudren, French physician, as in Phonygammus
Kandti K AN T-eye keraudrenii, the Trumpet Manucode
After Richard Kandt, German physician and explorer,
as in Estrilda kandti, Kandt s Waxbill Ketupu ke-TOO-poo
Malay name for bird, as in Ketupa ketupu, the Buffy Fish Owl
Kaupifalco kaw-pi-FAL-ko
After Johann Kaup andfalco, falcon, as in Kaupifalco Kienerii, ~i kee-NAIR-ee-eye/K EEN-er-eye
monogrammicus, the Lizard Buzzard After Louis-Charles Kiener, French malacologist (study of molluscs),
as in Lophotriorchis kienerii, the Rufous-bellied Hawk-Eagle
Kawalli KA-wal-lye
After Nelson Kawall, Brazilian aviculturist, as in Kilimensis u-u-MEN-sis
Amazona kawalli, Kawalls, or White-faced, Amazon After Mt. Kilamanjaro, Tanzania, as in Nectarinia kilimensis,
the Bronzy Sunbird
Kelleyi KEL-lee-eye
After W V. Kelley, American philanthropist, as in Kirhocephalus keer-ho-se-FAL-us
Macronus kelleyi, the Gray-faced Tit-Babbler Greek, kirrhos, tawny, orange-colored, and Latin, cephala, head, as in
Pitohui kirhocephalus, the Northern Variable Pitohui, with a mosdy
Kempi k e m p -eye orange body and black head
After Robert Kemp, American naturalist and collector,
as in Macrospbenus kempi, Kemp’s Longbill K i r k i KIRK-eye
After John Kirk, Scottish physician and administrator, as in
Kennicotti K E N -ih-kot-tye Zosterops kirki, Kirk s White-eye
After Robert Kennicott, American Naturalist, as in
Megascops kennicotti, the Western Screech Owl Kirdandii kirt-LAN -dee-eye
After Jared Kirtland, American doctor, naturalist, and botanist,
Kenricki K EN -rik-eye as in Setophaga kirtlandii, Kirdand s Warbler
After R. W E. Kenrick, British Army officer, as in
Poeoptera kenricki, Kenrick’s Starling Klaas k l a a s
After a famous servant who apparendy discovered the bird,
as in Chrysococcyx klaas, Klaas s Cuckoo

118
 KUPEORNIS

Klagesi K L A iG s -eye
After Samuel Klages, American collector, as in
Myrmotherula klagesi, Klagess Antwren

Knipolegus ni-po-LAY-gus
Greek, knipos, insect, and legus, choose, as in Knipolegus signatus,
the Andean Tyrant

K o c h i KOCK-eye
After Gotdeib von Koch, German collector and taxidermist,
as in Erythropitta kochi, the Whiskered Pitta

Koepckeae KEP-kee-ee
After Maria Koepcke, Mother of Peruvian ornithology,
as in Cacicus koepckeae, the Selva Cacique Kruper’s Nuthatch

Komadori kom-a-DOR-eye
Japanese for Red Robin, as in Erithacus komadori, Kona K O -na
the Ryukyu Robin From the Hawaiian Islands, as in Chloridops kona,
the Kona Grosbeak

Koi'i KOR-eye
LATI N IN A C T I O N From Setswana (South African language) kgori, as in
Ardeotis kori, the Kori Bustard; Bustard may have come
from the Latin aves tarda, slow bird
The Whiskered Pitta, Erythropitta kochi, is an
unusually beautiful bird, with a bright-red lower
chest and abdomen, and topped by an iridescent
Kozlowi K O Z-low -eye
After Pyotr Kozlov, Russian explorer, as in Prunella koslowi,
upper chest and throat, a brown head, and the Mongolian Accentor
greenish back. Pitta is from a language of southern
India and parts of Sri Lanka and means pretty Kretschmeri K RETC H -m er-eye
bauble; certainly very descriptive of this bird. After Eugen Kretschmer, a German collector, as in Macrosphenus
kretschmeri, Kretschmer s Longbill

Erythropitta kochi, Krueperi KRU E-per-eye

Whiskered Pitta After Theobald Kriiper, German ornithologist, as in Sitta krueperi,
Kriipers Nuthatch

Kubaryi koo-BARY-eye
After Jan Kubary, Polish explorer, as in Corvus kubaryi,
the Mariana Crow

Kuehlli KOO N-eye

After Heinrich Kiihn, German naturalist, as in Myzomela kuehni,
the Crimson-hooded Myzomela

Kupeornis koo-pee-OR-nis
From Mt. Kupe in the Cameroon, and Greek, omis, bird, as in
Kupeornisgilberti, the White-throated Mountain Babbler

119
 Feathers
Like/ (warm-blooded);
mammals, birds are homeothermic
like many reptiles, amphib­
ians, fish, and a couple of mammals, they lay eggs.
They show parental care, as do mammals and some
reptiles and fish; they migrate, as do some mammals
and fish. But unlike other animal groups, birds are
very recognizable because their characteristics are
fairly homogeneous, and uniquely they have feathers.
If an animal has feathers, it is a bird. Primary feathers are attached to the
hand primarily for propulsion; secondary
Often called the first bird, Archaeopteryx (ancient feathers are attached to the forelimb
wing) lithographica is a creature that lived about 150 primarily for lift
million years ago. Eleven fossils have been recovered
from a limestone quarry in Germany, hence the
specific epithet lithographica, limestone being used in Feathers first evolved not for flight but for insulation.
making lithographs. Archaeopteryx lithographica was In the changes dinosaurs experienced over millions of
clearly an intermediate form between dinosaurs and years, there is evidence that they were developing
birds as it had teeth, a long bony tail, claws on its homeothermic capabilities—becoming warm­
hands, and other reptilian characteristics, but it also blooded. To do that, bodies needed something to
had well-developed feathers. Whether it could fly or prevent rapid heat loss. Scales and feathers are made
just glide is the object of speculation, but flight-like of keratin so it is likely that scales elongated, split,
feathers are present. and became thinner, evolving into the prototype of
feathers. Only many years later did feathers elongate
enough for gliding and then powered flight.
As feathers evolved, they differentiated into
various forms for diverse purposes. The down
feathers, as we know, perform the original feather
function of insulation. Flight feathers, those of the
hand, serve to propel the bird through the air (or
water in the case of swimmers) in a figure eight
fashion, as seen from the side. Other feathers
attached to the arm provide lift like an airplane wing.
The tail feathers serve both as rudder and brake.
Archaeopteryx lithographica Feathers called contour feathers cover the body to
make it smooth and aerodynamic. Semiplumes—
Archaeopteryx lithographica feathers structurally intermediate between down and
was about the size of a raven
and recent evidence indicates contour feathers—help both in waterproofing and
that the feathers were black. giving the bird a sleek profile.
120
 FE AT H E R S

All of these feathers need to be preened and

oiled to avoid becoming matted or waterlogged.
A “preen” gland on the top of the tail base produces
oil that the bird squeezes out and runs over its
feathers. Powder down, found in some birds like
herons and egrets, are feathers whose ends break off Onychorhynchus coronatus,
into talc-like particles that along with preen gland oil Amazonian Royal Flycatcher
help waterproof feathers. The Royal Flycatcher male has
Specialized feathers like filoplumes (those a showy crest that it only raises
“hairs” you see on a plucked chicken) provide the during mating and preening.
bird with information about the position of its body
feathers. Rictal bristles at the sides of the jaw
apparently serve to tell a flying bird about its species just use dull plumage. On the other
position in the air as well as its speed. extreme, many male birds use elaborate plumages
Insulation first, flight second, and then camou­ with bright, even iridescent colors to establish a
flage or courtship are the evolving uses of feathers. territory, attract females, and defend their nest site.
Birds have developed extremely clever ways of hiding Plumes, fans, bristles, crests, elongated tails, and an
themselves from predators by being cryptically endless variety of patterns and colors decorate birds.
colored. For example, many plovers disrupt their The lyrebird, turkey, and peacock all display large,
outlines with breastbands; the females of many fancy tails. The Amazonian Royal Flycatcher,
Onychorhynchus coronatus, can display a large, bright,
fan-shaped crest when in the mood, and the Kagu,
Rhynochetosjubatus, can raise its long head feathers,
usually draped down the back of its neck.
Since feathers can comprise 20 percent of the
weight of a bird, they are clearly important. Why,
otherwise, would a hummingbird sprout 1,000 of
them and a swan 25,000?
There are a number of Latin and Greek suffixes
that refer to feathers in some way: petryl, ptero,ptilo,
ptin,pinna, and penna, a feather or wing; pinnat-,
ptin, feathered; ala, ali-, wing, alat-,pten, winged.

Pavo cristatus,
Indian Peafowl

The "eyed" tail feathers of the peacock

are shed yearly and increase in length
and number with maturity.
L A B R A D O R I US

Lampropsar
L U m -PR O P -sar
Greek, lampro, shining, andpsar, starling, as in Lampropsar
tanagrinus, the Velvet-fronted Grackle, an iridescent bird
that resembles a starling
Labradorius la-bra-DOR-ee-us
After Labrador, Canada, as in the now extinct Camptorhynchus Lamprospiza lam-pro-SPY-za
labradorius, the Labrador Duck Greek, lampro, shining, and spiza, finch, as in Lamprospiza
melanoleuca, the Red-billed Pied Tanager, a brightly colored
Lactea LAK -tee-a tanager that somewhat resembles a finch
Lacte, milk, as in Polioptila lactea, the Creamy-bellied Gnatcatcher
Lamprotornis lam -pro-TO R-nis
Laeta l e e - u Greek, lampro, shining, and omis, bird, as in Lamprotornis
Gay, pleasing, as in Cercomacra laeta, Willis’s Antbird omatus, the Principe Starling, a metallic-plumaged bird

Lafayetii la-fye-ET-eye Lanaiensis lan-eye-EN-sis

After Marie du Mothier, Marquis de Lafayette, as in Gallus lafayetii, After Lanai, Hawaii, as in Myadestes lanaiensis, the Olomao
the Sri Lanka Junglefowl
Lanceolata, "US lan-see-o-LAT-a/us
Lafresnayi la-FREZ-nay-eye Shaped like a spear, as in Chiroxiphia lanceolata, the Lance-tailed
After Noel Andre de La Fresne, French ornithologist and collector, as Manakin, alluding to its central tail feathers
in Picumnus lafresnayi, Lafresnaye’s Piculet
Langsdorffi L A N G Z -dorf-fye
Lagdeni LAG -den-eye After Georg von Langsdorffi German physician and naturalist,
After Godfrey Lagden, English diplomat, as in Malaconotus lagdeni, as in Discosura langsdorffi, the Black-bellied Thorntail
Lagden’s Bushshrike
Languida Un-GWEE-da
Lagonosticta u-go-no-sricK-u Weak, faint, as in Hippolais languida, Upcher s Warbler, perhaps
Greek, lagonos, flank, and stiktos, spotted, dotted, as in Lagonosticta because of its slow, deliberate movements
rufopicta, the Bar-breasted Firefinch
Laniarius lan-ee-AR-ee-us
Lagopus u-Go-pus Lanius, butcher, and arius, pertaining to, as in Laniarius
Greek, lagos, hare, andpous, foot, as in Lagopus lagopus, the Willow ruficeps, the Red-naped Bushshrike
Ptarmigan, with feathery feet that help it to walk on soft snow

Lalage la-LA-jee Gallus lafayetii,

Sri Lanka Junglefowl
Lallo, perhaps a girl’s name, as in Lalage nigra, the Pied Triller

Lampornis lam -PO R-nis

Greek, lampro, a torch, light, and omis, bird,
as in Lampornis viridipallens, the Green-
throated Mountaingem; the name probably
refers to its attractive plumage

Lamprolaima lam -pro-LAY-m a

Greek, lampro, shining, and laima, throat, as in Lamprolaima
rhami, the Garnet-throated Hummingbird

Lamprolia lam -PRO L-ee-a

Greek, lampro, shining, as in Lamprolia victoriae, the Silktail,
with a bright white rump that stands out like a light

122
 Lanius

T
h e L a tin w o rd fo r Lanius mackinnoni
b u tc h e r, Lanius Mackinnon’s Shrike
(.LA N -ee-us ), is a n o ft-a p p lie d
n a m e fo r b ird s in th e fa m ily th a t th e N o r th e r n S h rik e
L a n iid a e . T h e g e n u s c o n ta in s m im ic s th e calls o f s o n g b ird s,
2 7 sp ecies, m o stly c alled o n e o f its m a jo r p re y ite m s,
sh rik e s, a n a m e th a t m ay c o m e in o r d e r to a ttr a c t th e m .
fro m th e O ld E n g lish scric, A s c a rn iv o re s, sh rik e s e a t
re fe rrin g to a b ird w ith a s h rill n o t o n ly b ird s b u t also a
call. S o m e in th e g e n u s are v a rie ty o f in v e rte b ra te s ,
c a lle d fiscals, a fte r a n A frik a a n s m a m m a ls, re p tile s , a n d
w o rd jiskaal , a p u b lic o fficial, a m p h ib ia n s , m o s tly sm a lle r
p a rtic u la rly a h a n g m a n . th a n th e sh rik e b u t o c c a s io n ­
S h rik e s are c a rn iv o ro u s b ird s a lly larg er. L ik e m a n y ra p to rs ,
w ith a h o o k e d u p p e r b ill th e y u se to p re y o n larg e sh rik e s re g u rg ita te p e lle ts o f in d ig e s tib le m a te ria l.
in se cts a n d sm a ll v e rte b ra te s. T h e y im p a le th e ir p re y T h e R e d -b a c k e d S h rik e, L. collurio, is so m e tim e s
o n th o rn s , sp in e s, o r b a rb e d w ire , fo r e a tin g late r, c a lle d N in e -k ille r b e c a u se it w a s o n c e th o u g h t th e y
h e n c e th e c o m p a riso n s w ith h a n g m e n a n d b u tc h e rs . k ille d n in e a n im a ls b e fo re e a tin g th e m . Its G e rm a n
S h rik e s re q u ire tw o ty p e s o f p e rc h e s, o n e fo r n a m e is N euntoeter (n in e k ille r).
h u n tin g a n d o n e fo r e v e n in g ro o s tin g . T h e b ird s sit
u p r ig h t o n th e ir d iu rn a l p e rc h a n d sw o o p d o w n o n
p re y w ith ra p id w in g b e a ts. T h e y are v e ry te rrito ria l
a n d re q u ire a v a rie ty o f p e rc h h e ig h ts. In a g ric u ltu ra l
a reas th e ir te rrito rie s are la rg e r d u e to a re s tric te d
c h o ic e o f p e rc h e s a n d a lo w e r d e n s ity o f p o te n tia l
prey . D u r in g th e b re e d in g se a so n , m ale sh rik e s w ill
s to re fo o d ite m s in a cach e. O n e s tu d y o f N o r th e rn
o r G re a t G ra y S h rik es (L. excubitor, L a tin fo r
s e n tin e l) d isc o v e re d th a t th e c a c h e o f im p a le d p re y
in c re a s e d as th e b re e d in g se a so n p ro g re sse d , p e a k e d
w h e n n e sts w e re b u ilt a n d eggs la id , a n d d e c re a s e d
w h e n y o u n g a n d m ate s w e re fed . T h e c o n c lu s io n w as
th a t m ale s w ith b ig g er p re y c ac h es w e re m o re
su c c essfu l in a ttra c tin g fe m a le s a n d ra is in g y o u n g .
M o s t s o n g b ird s sin g o n ly d u rin g th e b re e d in g
se a so n , b u t b o th sexes o f th e N o r th e rn S h rik e sin g
fo r m u c h o f th e year, in c lu d in g w in te r. It tu rn s o u t
LANIIS O M A

Laniisoma lan-ee-eye-SO-ma Latirostris ut-ih-Ross-tns

Lanius, butcher, and Greek, soma, body, as in Laniisoma elegans, Lotus, broad, and rostris, beak, as in Contopus latirostris,
the shrike-like Brazilian Laniisoma the Lesser Antillean Pewee

Lanio LAN -ee-o Latistriata, -us lat-ih-stree-AT-a/us

Lanius, butcher, as in Lanio fulvus, the Fulvous Shrike-Tanager Latus, broad, and striatus, furrow, streak, as in Zosteromis latistriatus,
the Panay Striped Babbler, after Panay, Phillipines
Laniocera lan-ee-o-SER-a
Lanius, butcher, and cera, wax, as in Laniocera rufescens, Latrans L A Y-tranz
the Speckled Mourner; cera refers to the bill and derives Latrare, to bark, as in Ducula latrans, the Barking Imperial Pigeon
from the Greek keros, horn, or bill, as the bill appears waxy
Laudabilis law-D A-bi-lis
Lanioturdus U n-ee-o-ruR -dus Praiseworthy, as in Icterus laudabilis, the Saint Lucia Oriole
Lanius, butcher, and turdus, thrush, as in Lanioturdus torquatus,
the White-tailed Shrike Lawesii laivz-ee-eye
After William Lawes, British New Guinea missionary,
Lanius LAN -ee-us as in Parotia lawesii, Lawess Parotia
Butcher, as in Lanius cristatus, the Brown Shrike
Lawrencei, -ii L A W -ren-sye/law-RENS-ee-eye
Lapponica, -us U p -p o N -i-k a /ku s After George Lawrence, American businessman and amateur
Lapland, as in Limosa lapponica, the Bar-tailed Godwit ornithologist, as in Spinus lawrencei, Lawrence s Goldfinch

Larosterna Lr-o-sriR-na Layardi u r AR-dy e

Larus, gull, and Dutch, sterna, tern, as in Larosterna inca, After Edgar Layard, Italian collector and later curator,
the Inca Tern as in Sylvia layardi, Layard s Warbler

Larus LA -rus Laysanensis u y -sa- N E N -sis

Gull, as in Larus pacificus, the Pacific Gull After the Laysan Islands, as in Anas laysanensis,
the Laysan Duck or Laysan Teal
Larvatus, -a lar-VA-tus/ta
Lavare, to bewitch, enchant, also masked, as in Coracina larvata, L a z u l i la-ZO O -lye
the Sunda Cuckooshrike, with a gray head/hood Lazul, azure, blue, as in Todiramphus

Lateralis lat-er-A L-is

Latus, side, flank, as in Cisticola lateralis, the Whistling Cisticola,
which has rufous margins on its wing feathers that when folded
show a rufous patch

Lateralius lat-er-A L-lus

Latus, side, flank, and rallus, rail, as in Lateralius xenopterus,
the Rufous-faced Crake, with white bars on its sides

Lathami LAY-them -eye

After John Latham, British physician and naturalist, as in
Peliperdix lathami, Lathams, or Forest, Francolin

Lathamus LA Y-them -us

After John Latham, British physician and naturalist,
as in Lathamus discolor, the Swift Parrot

124
 L E PT O C O M A

Toxostoma lecontei,
Le Conte’sThrasher

Lepidocolaptes le-pi-doe-ko-LAP-teez
Lepidus, neat, elegant, and colaptes, a chisel or chiseler,
as in Lepidocolaptes affinis, the Spot-crowned Woodcreeper, an
elegantly-plumagcd woodcreeper

Lepidopyga le-pi-doe-PI-ga
Lepidus, neat, and pyga, rump, as in Lepidopyga lilliae,
the Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird

Lepidothrix u -p ih-D O E -thrix

Lepidus, scaly, and thrix, hair, as in Lepidothrix coronata, the
Blue-crowned Manakin, an elegantly plumaged Mannikin

Leptasthenura lep-tas-then-OO -ra

Greek, leptos, slender, fine, asthenia, weak, and oura, tail,
Leachii LEAC H -ee-eye as in Leptasthenura andicola, the Andean Tit Spinetail
After William Leach, a British zoologist, as in Dacelo leachii,
the Blue-winged Kookaburra Leptocoma lep-toe-KO-ma
Greek, leptos, slender, fine, and kome, hair, as in Leptocoma minima,
Leadbeateri ud-B EE T-ter-eye the Crimson-backed Sunbird; the back, shoulders, and chest feathers
After Benjamin Leadbeater, a British taxidermist and appear as fine hairs
ornithologist, as in Lophochroa leadbeateri, Major Mitchell’s,
or Leadbeater s, Cockatoo
|— ---------------------------------------- ]
LATI N IN A C T I O N
Lecontei, -ii le-CONT-eye/ee-eye
After John LeConte, American entomologist, as in Toxostoma
lecontei, Le Contes Thrasher Lepidothrix coronata, the Blue-crowned Manakin,
describes a bird with a crown of scaly hair. The
Legatus u - g a t -™ male’s crown is composed of iridescent blue
Ambassador, envoy, as in Legatus leucophaius, the Piratic Flycatcher feathers that resemble scales and a dark blue body.
The much drabber female is a blend-into-the-
Leiothrix U y-E YE -o-thriks environment dull green. Differences in male and
Greek, leios, smooth, and thiix, hair, as in Leiothrix lutea, die Red-billed female coloration is called “sexual dichromatism”
Leiothrix or Pekin Nightingale; refers to the birds smooth feathers
and occurs primarily because the male wants to
Leipoa lay-eye-PO-a attract females and the female wants to be
inconspicuous while attending to the nest. The
Greek, leipo, leave, and oon, egg, as in Leipoa ocellata, the Malleefowl,
which constructs a compost pile to incubate its eggs name Manakin comes from the Dutch mannekjin,
meaning little person, although it is unclear
Lentiginosus len-ti-ji-N O -sus whether it is the size of the bird or its behavior
Lentigo, freckled, as in Botaurus lentiginosus, the American Bittern; that remind one of a little man. Manakins belong to
a reference to the bird’s patterened plumage the family Pipridae, consisting of 60 species, and
are distinguished from similar family groups by the
Lepida u-P E E -da shape of their syrinx (voicebox).
Lepidus, neat, elegant, as in Rhipidura lepida, the Palau Fantail,
an elegant bird

125
LEPTOD O N

Leptodon up-T O E -don Leptorhynchus lep-toe-RINK-us

Greek, leptos, slender, fine, and odon, tooth, as in Leptodonforbesi, Greek, leptos, slender, fine, and rhynchos, bill, as in Enicognathus
the White-collared Kite, with a sharply down-curved bill tip leptorhynchus, the Slender-billed Parakeet

Leptopoecile lep-toe-poy-SIL-ee Leptosomus lep-tow-SO-mus

Greek, leptos, slender, fine, andpoecil-, variegated, many-colored, as in Greek, leptos, slender, fine, and soma, body, as in Leptosomus discolor,
Leptopoecile elegans, the Crested Tit-warbler the Cuckoo Roller; its large head may make the body appear slender

Leptopogon lep-toe-PO-gon Lepturus Up -t o o r -us

Greek, leptos, slender, fine, andpogon, beard, as in Leptopogon Greek, leptos, slender, fine, and oura, tail, as in Phaethon lepturus,
rufipectus, the Rufous-breasted Flycatcher; slender beard probably the White-tailed Tropicbird
refers to the rictal bristles
Lesbia LEZ-bee-a.
Leptosittaca lep-to-sir-a-ka Lesbia was the literary pseudonym of the great love of
Greek, leptos, slender, fine, andpsittaca, parrot, as in Leptosittaca Roman poet Gaius Valerius Catullus, as in Lesbia victoriae,
branickii, the Golden-plumed Parakeet the Black-tailed Trainbearer

Leptopterus lep-TOP-ter-m Lessonia, -i, -ii les-SON-ee-a/eye/ee-eye

Greek, leptos, slender, fine, andpteron, feathers or wing, as in After Rene Lesson, French ornithologist, as in Lessonia oreas,
Leptopterus chabert, the Chabert Vanga; its narrow wings are almost the Andean Negrito
swallow-like
Leucocephala, -o, -us loy-ko-se-FAL -a/ 0/ us
Leptoptilos, -a lep-top-TIL-os/a Greek, leuko, white, and Latin, cephala, the head, as in Columba
Greek, leptos, slender, fine, andptilon, wing, as in Leptoptilos (now Patagioenas) leucocephala, the White-crowned Pigeon
crumenifer, the Marabou Stork
Leucochloris ioy-ko-K LO R-u
Greek, leuko, white, and chloris, greenness, freshness, as in
Enicognathus leptorhynchus, Leucochloris albicollis, the White-throated Hummingbird
Slender-billed Parakeet
Leucogaster, -ra loy-ko-G AS-ter/ra
Greek, leuko, white, and gaster, abdomen, as in Sula leucogaster,
die Brown Booby

Leucogenys ioy-ko-jEN -is

Greek, leuko, white, and Latin,gena, cheek, as in Conirostrum
leucogenys, the White-eared Conebill

Leucolaema, -U S loy-ko'LE E -m a/m us

Greek, leuko, white, and laemus, throat, as in Geokichla leucolaema,
the Enganno Thrush, after the island of Enganno, Indonesia

Leucolophus loy-ko-LO-fus
Greek, leuko, white, and lophus, crest, tuft, as in Tauraco leucolophus,
the White-crested Turaco

Leucomelas, -a loy-ko-M EL-as/a

Greek, leuko, white, and melas, black, dark, as in Tricholaema
leucomelas, the Acacia Pied Barbet

126
 LEU C O RO D IA

Leucoptera, -us ioy-KOP-ter-a/Us

Greek, leuko, white, andptera, wing, as in Loxia leucoptera,
the Two-barred Crossbill

Leucopternis ioy-kop-TER-nis
Greek, leuko, white, andptemis, hawk, as in Leucopternis
melanops, the Black-faced Hawk

Leucopyga, -alis
loy-ko-PIJ-a/loy-ko-pij-AL-is
Greek, leuko, white, andpuge, rump, as in Lalage leucopyga,
the Long-tailed Triller

Columba leuconota, Leucorhoa ioy-ko-Ro-a

Snow Pigeon Greek, leuko, white, and orrhos, rump, as in Oceanodroma leucorhoa,
Leach’s Storm Petrel

Leuconota, -us loy-ko-N O -ta/tus Leucorodia u>j-kor- OH-dee-a

Greek, leuko, white, and notos, back, as in Columba leuconota, Greek, leuko, white, and rodo, a rose, as in Platalea leucorodia,
the Snow Pigeon the Eurasian Spoonbill, which is almost all white, but takes on a rose
wash if its food source contains plankton with red pigments
Leucopeza loy-ko-PEH -za
Greek, leuko, white, andpeza, foot, edge, as in Leucopeza semperi,
the possibly extinct Semper s Warbler

Leucophrys loy-Ko-fns
Greek, leuko, white, and ophyrs, brow, eyebrow, as in Zonotrichia
leucophrys, the White-crowned Sparrow

Leucophthalma, -us loy-kof-T H A L -m a/m us

Greek, leuko, white, and ophthalma, eye, as in Psittacara
leucophthalmus, the White-eyed Parakeet

Leucopleura, -U S loy-ko-PLU R-a/us

Greek, leuko, white, and pleura, side, as in Thescelocichla leucopleura,
the Swamp Palm Bulbul

Leucopogon loy-ko-PO-gon
Greek, leuko, white, andpogon, beard, as in Cantorchilus leucopogon,
the Stripe-throated Wren

Leucopsar ioy -KOP -sar

Greek, leuko, white, andpsar, a starling, as in Leucopsar
rothschild, the Bali Myna

Leucopsis loy-KOP -sis

Greek, leuko, white, and opsis, appearance, as in Branta leucopsis,
the Barnacle Goose, so called because they were once thought
to hatch from barnacles Loxia leucoptera,
Two-barred Crossbill

127
L E U C O SA R C I A

Leucosarcia loy-ko-SAR-see-a Limnoctites lim -nok'T IT E -eez

Greek, leuko, white, and sarda, a pack, bundle, or save-, flesh, as in Greek, limne, pond, marsh, lake, and ktites, dweller, as in
Leucosarda melanoleuca, the Wonga Pigeon, probably so named Limnoctites rectirostris, the Straight-billed Reedhaunter
because people considered the bird a food source
Limnodromus lim -no-D RO -m us
Leucosticte loy-ko-STIC K -tee Greek, limne, pond, marsh, lake, and dromeus, runner, as in
Greek, leuko, white, and stictos, varied, varicolored, as in Limnodromus griseus, the Short-billed Dowitcher
Leucostide brandti, Brandt s Mountain Finch
Limnornis lim -N O R -nis
Leucotis loy-KO-tis Greek, limne, pond, marsh, lake, and omis, bird, as in Limnornis
Greek, leuko, white, and otos, ear, as in Basilinna leucotis, curvirostris, the Curve-billed Reedhaunter
the White-eared Hummingbird
Limnothlypis lim -no-T H L IP -is
Leucurus ioy-Koo -rus Greek, limne, pond, marsh, lake, and thlypis, small bird, as in
Greek, leuko, white, and oura, tail, as in Elanus leucurus, Limnothlypis swainsonii, Swainson s Warbler
the White-tailed Kite
Limosa
Levaillanti le-va-L A N -tye
u -m o -su
Limus, mud, and osus, full of, prone, as in Limosa limosa, the
After Francois Le Vaillant, French collector and naturalist, Black-tailed Godwit, the common name perhaps coming from
as in Clamator levaillanti, Levaillant s Cuckoo Old English meaning good to eat

Lewinii, -ia i™- IVIN-ee-eye/ee-a Lineatus, -a lin-ee-A H -tus/a

After John Lewin, English naturalist, as in Meliphaga lewinii, Striped or lined, as in Buteo lineatus, the Red-shouldered Hawk
Lewins Honeyeater

L e w i s LO O -wis Buteo lineatus,

After Meriwether Lewis, American explorer, as in Melanerpes Red-shouldered Hawk
lewis, Lewis’s Woodpecker

Lichenostomis lye-ken-o-STO M E-is

Greek, leichen, to lick, and stoma, mouth, as in Lichenostomis
(now Caligavis) chrysops, the Yellow-faced Honeyeater

Lichmera m -m e r -u
Greek, lichmeres, flicking the tongue, as in Lichmera limbata,
the Indonesian Honeyeater

Lichtensteinii lik-ten-STIN E-ee-eye

After Martin Lichtenstein, German physician and ornithologist,
as in Pterocles lichtensteinii, Lichtenstein s Sandgrouse

Limicola li-m i-K O -la

Limus, mud, and cola, dwell, as in Rallus limicola, the Virginia Rail

Limnocorax lim -no-C O R-aks

Greek, limne, pond, marsh, lake, and korax, crow, raven, as in
Limnocorax (now Amaurornis)flavirostra, the Black Crake

128
 LOPHAETUS

Locustella low -kus-TEL-la

Locusta, locust, and -ellus, small, as in Locustellafluviatilis,
the River Warbler, possibly named for its locust-like song

Loddigesia lod-di-JEE-see-a
After George Loddiges, British botanist and influential nurseryman,
as in Loddigesia mirabilis, the Marvelous Spatuletail

Lomvia LOM -vee-a

Swedish for guillemot, murre, or diver, as in Uria lomvia,
Phalaropus lobatus, the Thick-billed Murre or Brunnichs Guillemot
Red-necked Phalarope
Lonchura ion-Koo-ra
Greek, lonkhe, spearhead, and oura, tail, as in Lonchura cucullata,
Liocichla iy e-o -siK -u the Bronze Mannikin
Greek, lio, smooth, and cichla, a thrush, as in Liocichla ripponi, the
Scarlet-faced Liocichla, with smooth plumage of the back and face Longicauda, -ta, -tus
lon-jee-K AW -da/lon-jee-kaw -D AT-a/us
Lioptilus lye-op-TIL-us Longus, long, and cauda, tail, as in Bartramia longicauda,
Greek, lio, smooth, soft, and ptilion, feather or wing, as in Lioptilus the Upland Sandpiper
nigricapillus, the Bush Blackcap
Longipennis lon-ji-PEN-nis
Liosceles iy-os-SEL-eez Longus, long, and penna, feather, as in Falco longipennis,
Greek, lio, smooth, soft, and scelos, leg, as in Liosceles thoracicus, the Australian Hobby, with long wings
the Rusty-belted Tapaculo, with few scales on legs, making them
appear smooth Longirostris ion-ji-Ross-tris
Longus, long, and rostris, beak, as in Rallus longirostris,
Littoralis lit-to-R slL -is the Clapper Rail
Shoreline, of the shore, as in Ochthomis littoralis, the Drab Water
Tyrant, an inhabitant of river and streamsides Lophaetus Io-fee-ius
Greek, lophus, crest, and aetos, eagle, as in Lophaetus occipitalis,
L i v i a LIV-ee-a the Long-crested Eagle
Livens, bluish, ashen, as in Columba livia, the Rock Dove

Lloydi LOY-dye
After William Lloyd, Irish-American collector, as in Psaltriparus Rallus longirostris,
lloydi (now minimus), the American Bushtit Clapper Rail

Lobatus lo-BA-tus
Lobed toes, as in Phalaropus lobatus, the Red-necked Phalarope

Loboparadisea lo-bo-par-a-DEES-ee-a
Greek, lobos, lobe, and paradise, pleasure ground, as in Loboparadisea
sericea, the Yellow-breasted Satinbird, with nasal lobes on its bill;
once thought to be a Bird of Paradise

Lochmias iock-MEE-as
Greek, lokhmaios, inhabitant of the bush, as in. Lochmias
nematura, the Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper

129
LO PH O DYT E S

Lophodytes lo-fo-DYE-teez Lorius LOR-ee-us

Greek, lophus, crest, and dytes, diver, as in Lophodytes cucullatus, Malay, lori, parrot, as in Lorius domicella, the Purple-naped Lory
the Hooded Merganser
L 0 X i a LOCK-see-a
Lophoictinia io-fi>-ik-TiN-ee-a Greek, loxos, crosswise, as in Loxia scotica, the Scottish Crossbill,
Greek, lophus, crest, and iktinos, a kite, as in Lophoictinia isura, the only vertebrate unique to the United Kingdom, with curved,
the Square-tailed Kite overlapping mandibles to extract seeds from cones

Lopholaimus lo-fo-LAY-m us Loxops LOCKS-ops

Greek, lophus, crest, and laimus, throat, as in Lopholaimus Greek, loxos, crosswise, and ops, the eye, as in Loxops coccineus,
antarcticus, the Topknot Pigeon the Akepa; this refers to the slight crossing of the tips of the lower
and upper jaws
Lophonetta io-fo-NET-ta
Greek, lophus, crest, and netta, duck, as in Lophonetta specularioides,
the Crested Duck
LATI N IN A C T I O N
Lophophorus io-f»-FOR-us
Greek, lophus, crest, andphorus, bearer, as in Lophophorus Ihuysii,
From the Middle French bistarde, meaning slow
the Chinese Monal
bird, we get bustard, as in the Red-crested Bustard,
Lophortyx lo-FOR-tuks Lophotis ruficrista, also called the Korhaan. It is
unique among bustards in having a retractile pink
Greek, lophus, crest, and ortux, quail as in Lophortyx (now Callipepla)
californica, the California Quail crest. Found from Eurasia to Australia, the 20 or
so species of bustards are most common in Africa.
Lophostrix lo-FO-stricks They are large birds at 16 to 60 inches (40 to 150
Greek, lophus, crest, and strix, owl, as in Lophostrix cristata, centimeters) in length, with the Kori and Great
the Crested Owl Bustards often considered the world’s heaviest

Lophotis, -tes lo-FO -tis/teez

flying birds, weighing up to 44 pounds (20
kilograms), although they rarely fly, sometimes
Greek, lophus, crest, and otis, bustard, as in Lophotis ruficrista,
going months without leaving the ground.They are
the Red-crested Bustard / Korhaan
adapted for a terrestrial lifestyle as they
Lophozosterops lo-fo-ZOS-ter-ops
Greek, lophus, crest, zoster, a girdle, and ops, the eye, as in
Lophozosterops dohertyi, the Crested White-eye

Lophura Io-f o o r - u
Greek, lophus, crest, and oura, tail, as in Lophura swinhoii,
Swinhoe s Pheasant

Lorentzi lo-R EN TS-eye

After Hendrik Lorentz, Dutch diplomat, as in Pachycephala
lorentzi, Lorentzs Whistler

L o r i c u l u S lor-ih-KO O -lus
Malay, lori, parrot, and cuius, small, as in Loriculusgalgulus,
the Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot; Hanging Parrots can sleep
hanging upside down

130
 LYRURUS

Luciae LOO-see-ee
After Lucy Baird, daughter of Spencer Baird, as in Leiothlypis
luciae, Lucy’s Warbler

Lucidus I oo-s i d -us

Luci-, light, clear, shining, as in Hemignathus lucidus, the Nukupuu

Lucifer LOO-si-fer
Light bringing, as in Calothorax lucifer, the Lucifer Sheartail;
probably refers to the birds bright, iridescent violet throat

L u d l o w i LU D -lo-eye
After Frank Ludlow, British educator, botanist, and ornithologist,
as in Fulvetta ludlowi, the Brown-throated Fulvetta

Ludoviciana, -U S loo-doe-vee-see-AN-a/us
O f Louisiana, as in Piranga ludoviciana, the Western Tanager

Lugubris U o-coo-bru
Mourning, mournful, as in Quiscalus lugubris, the Carib Grackle;
perhaps because the glossy black color reminds one of mourning

Lullula iui-Loo-ia
From the bird s call, as in Lullula arborea, the Woodlark
Piranga ludoviciana,
Lunata, -us ioo-N A -ta/tus Western Tanager
Lunatus, crescent-shaped, as in Onychoprion lunatus, the Spectacled
Tern, probably alluding to its wing shape Lutosa loo-TOW-sa
Lutum, mud, as in Caracara lutosa, the extinct Guadalupe Caracara;
Lunda w o N -d a possibly due to its predominantly dark brown plumage
Norwegian word for Puffin, as in Lunda (now Fratercula) cirrhata,
the Tufted Puffin; Lundehunds are dogs bred especially to hunt L y b i u S L IH -bee -us
puffins in their burrows Probably a misspelling of Libya, as in Lybius undatus,
the Banded Barbet
Luscinia loo-SIN-ee-a
Lusinius, a nightingale, as in Luscinia calliope, die Siberian Lycocorax iy -ko-KOR-aks
Rubythroat Greek, lyco, wolf, and corax, raven, as in Lycocoraxpyrrhopterus,
the Paradise-crow
L u t C a , -U S LO O -tee-a/us
Luteus, yellow, as in Leiothrix lutea, the Red-billed Leiothrix or Lymnocryptes Um-no-cRip-teez
Pekin Nightingale, with yellow on the throat and breast Greek, limne, marsh, pond, and kruptos, hidden, as in Lymnocryptes
minimus, the Jack Snipe, a bird rarely seen unless flushed
Luteifrons LO O -tee-eye-fronz
Luteus, yellow, andfrons, forehead, as in Nigrita luteifrons, ' Lyrurus iye-Roo -rus
the Pale-fronted Nigrita Greek, lura, a lyre, and oura, tail, as in Lyrurus tetrix,
the Black Grouse
Luteiventris loo-te-eye-VEN-tris
Luteus, yellow, and ventris, underside, as in Myiodynastes
luteiventris, the Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher

131
 Loui s A gassiz Fuertes
(1874- 1927)

L
ouis Agassiz Fuertes was one of the most While still in college, he had an opportunity
/ talented illustrators of birds in history. His to show his bird illustrations to Elliott Coues,
detailed drawings and paintings continue to provide then one of the country’s top ornithologists and
a storehouse of knowledge about bird species. a founding member of the American Ornitholo­
Born in Ithaca, New York, in 1874, Fuertes was gists’ Union. Coues was very impressed and
named after Louis Agassiz, a renowned nineteenth- convinced him that he could support himself as an
century Swiss naturalist. From early in his life Fuertes artist. Taking the twenty year old under his wing,
showed an extraordinary interest in birds. Although Coues introduced Louis to the field of ornithology,
his father wanted his son, the youngest of six, to go displayed his artwork at an American Ornitholo­
into an established field, he realized how fascinated gists’ Union meeting, and encouraged him to
Louis was with birds when the eight year old obtain commissions for his drawings.
captured an owl and tied it to the kitchen table. Fuertes did more than 100 drawings for Mabel
When Mr. Fuertes took his son to the Ithaca Public Osgood Wright and Eliot Coues’s Citizen Bird:
Library to show him Audubon’s Birds o f America, Scenesfrom Bird-Life in Plain Englishfor Beginners,
the boy found his vocation and began to draw between 1896 and 1897. In 1899, Edward
birds in earnest. Harriman, a wealthy railroad magnate, arranged a
Seeing how single-minded Louis became about scientific exploration of the coast of Alaska.and
killing and drawing birds, and afraid the boy would brought with him several respected scientists such
never be able to make a living as an artist, Fuertes’s as C. Hart Merriam, John Muir, Robert Ridgway,
parents tried to shift his course by taking him to a and others. He included two photographers and
preparatory school in Switzerland in 1892. The next three artists, including Fuertes. Fuertes often killed
year Fuertes unwillingly enrolled at and skinned birds to study them closely, but when
Cornell as an architecture major. he could not, he made quick sketches and described
Fie failed almost all of his their songs in his notes.
classes except drawing. When Fuentes’s detailed, full-color drawings
from the Alaska expedition were published, he
became well known and in demand for his
works. Some of the works he illustrated include
Handbook of Birds o f Western North America

Neophron percnopterus,
Egyptian Vulture

Fuertes’ illustration of an Egyptian Vulture. Although

vultures feed mainly on carrion, only New World vultures
can detect their potential meal by smell.
 L O UI S A G A S S I Z F U E RT E S

by Frank Chapman, 1902; Upland Game Birds by Accipiter striatus,

Edwyn Sandys and T. S. van Dyke, 1902; Key to Sharp-shinned Hawk
North American Birds by Elliot Coues, 1903; and As Fuertes's illustration shows, the
Birds of New York by Elon Howard Eaton, 1910. Sharp-shinned Hawk and the larger
Although Fuertes graduated with a degree in Cooper’s Hawk are virtually identical
architecture, he became a lecturer in ornithology twins except for size.
at Cornell, but took a leave of absence from his
lecturing position to accompany Dr. Wilfred Osgood
of Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History to
Abyssinia (now Ethiopia). He produced some of his
finest sketches, rendering lifelike images of birds from
brief glimpses. His phenomenal memory enabled
him to reproduce an individual bird in complete
detail even years after being in the field.
Fuertes died in a car accident with a train
in 1927, shortly after returning from Abyssinia.
In his lifetime he had prepared 3,500 bird skins
and drawn over 1,000 studio and field sketches
of over 400 species of birds from
all over the world.
Fuertes is considered to have
produced the most realistic bird
illustrations of his time and they are
still in demand. A recent auction of
his Wild Turkey sold for over
$86,000 in 2012.

Whistling Ducks are not true ducks but in

a separate subfamily. On the right is the
Fulvous Whistling Duck, Dendroc/gna bicolor.
It is unclear what species Fuertes intended
the other two whistling ducks to be.

“ If the birds of the world had met to select a human being who could best express to mankind the

beauty and charm of their forms... they would unquestionably have chosen Louis Fuertes.”

D r. C h a p m a n s p e a k in g a t F u e r te s ’ fu n e ra l, q u o te d in American National Biography

133
M A C G I U I V R AY I

M
Macgillivrayi m ak-G IL-li-vray-eye
Macrodipteryx m ak-ro-DIP-ters-iks
Greek, macro, long or large, di-, two, andpteryx, wing, as in
Macrodipteryx longipennis, the Standard-winged Nightjar

Macronectes m ak-ro-N EK -teez

After John MacGillivray, Australian naturalist, and son of Greek, macro, long or large, and nekes, a swimmer, as in
William MacGillivray, Scottish artist and professor. The Fiji Macronectesgiganteus, the Southern Giant Petrel
Petrel, Pseudobulweria macgillivrayi, is named after the son and
MacGillivray s Warbler, Geothlypis tolmiei, after the father Macronyx m ak-RO N -iks
Greek, macro, long or large, and onux, claw, as in Macronyx ameliae,
Machetornis m ak-eh-TO R-nis the Rosy-breasted, or Rosy-throated Longclaw
Greek, makbetes, fighter, and omis, bird, as in Machetornis rixosa,
the Catde Tyrant Macrorhynchus mak-ro-RiNK-us
Greek, macro, long or large, and Latin, rhynchus, bill, as in Saxicola
Mackinlayi m ak-KIN -lee-eye macrorhynchus, the White-browed Bush Chat
After Archibald Mackinlay, as in Macropygia mackinlayi,
Macinlay s Cuckoo-Dove Macroura, -us m ak-RO O -ra/rus
Greek, macro, long or large, and oura, tail, as in Zenaida macroura,
Macrocephalon mak-ro-se-FAL-on the Mourning Dove, named for its plaintive call; also as in Vidua
Greek, macro, long or large, and Latin, cephala, head, as in macroura, the Pin-tailed Whydah
Macrocephalon maleo, the Maleo
Macularia, -us m ak -oo-LAR-ee-a/us
Macrodactyla m ak-ro-dak-TIL-a Macula, spot, as in Actitis macularius, the Spotted Sandpiper
Greek, macro, long or large, and dactylos, finger, toe, as in
Oceanodroma macrodactyla, the probably extinct Guadalupe Maculata, -um, -U S m ak-oo-L A T -a/um /us
Storm Petrel, whose middle toe and claw are twice as long Macula, spot, as in Stachyris maculata, the Chestnut-rumped Babbler,
as its nearest relatives with a heavily spotted chest and belly

Maculicauda, -us m ak -oo -n -K A w -d a /d u s

Macula, spot, and cauda, tail, as in Hypocnemoides maculicauda,
the Band-tailed Antbird, with spots on its tail

Maculicoronatus mak-oo-li-cor-o-NAT-us
Macula, spot, and corona, crown, as in Capito maculicoronatus,
the Spot-crowned Barbet

Maculifrons m ak-O O -li-fronz

Macula, spot, andfrons, forehead, brow, as in Veniliomis maculifrons,
the Yellow-eared Woodpecker, with spots on its forehead

Maculipectus mak-oo-li-PEK-tus
Macula, spot, and pectus, breast, as in Pheugopedius
maculipectus, the Spot-breasted Wren

Maculipennis m ak-oo-li-PEN -nis

Macula, spot, and penna, feather, as in Chroicocephalus maculipennis,
the Brown-hooded Gull

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 MAL EO

Maculirostris m ak-oo-li-RO SS-tris

Macula., spot, and rostris, bill, as in Muscisaxicola maculirostris,
the Spot-billed Ground Tyrant

Maculosa, “U S mak-oo-LO-sa/sus
Spotted, as in Nothura maculosa, the Spotted Nothura

Madagascariensis, -inus
m ad-a-gas-kar-ee-EN-sus/EYE-nus
After Madagascar, as in Caprimulgus madagascariensis,
the Madagascan Nightjar

Magellanica, -us m a-jel-L A N -ih-ka/kus

Straits of Magellan, as in Spinus magellanica, the Hooded Siskin

Magna, -num M A G -n a /nu m

Large, as in Stumella magna, the Eastern Meadowlark; may refer
to either the bird’s range or its size compared with starlings

Magnificens, -cus m ag-N IF -ih-senz/kus

Splendid, grand, as in Fregata magnificens, the Magnificent Frigatebird

Magnirostris, -tre, -tra

m ag-ni-RO SS-tris/tree/tra
Magna, large, and rostris, beak, as in Gerygone magnirostris,
the Large-billed Gerygone Setophaga magnolia,
Magnolia Warbler
Magnolia m ag-NO-lee-a
Latinized name of Pierre Magnol, French physician and botanist,
as in Setophaga magnolia, the Magnolia Warbler Malaconotus m al-a-kon-O -tus
Greek, malakos, soft, and noton, back, south end, as in
Major M A Y-jor Malaconotus cruentus, the Fiery-breasted Bushshrike, with
Maior, large, great, as in Locustella major, the Long-billed soft-appearing feathers on its back
Bush Warbler
Malacopteron m al-a-KOP-ter-on
Malabaricus, -ka m al-a -BA R -ih-kus/ka Greek, malakos, soft, andpteron, wing, as in Malacopteron
After Malabar, a region of India, as in Copsychus malabaricus, albogulare, the Gray-breasted Babbler
the White-rumped Shama
Malacoptila m al-a-cop-TIL-a
Malacca., “C llS lS m al-AK -ka/m al-a-K E N -sis Greek, malakos, soft, andptila, feather, as in Malacoptila
Alter Malacca, Malaysia, as in Lonchura malacca, panamensis, the White-whiskered Puffbird
the Tricolored Munia
Malacorhynchus m ai-a-ko-R iN K -us
Malacocincla m al-a-ko-SIN K -la Greek, malakos, soft, Latin, rhynchus, bill, as in Malacorhynchus
Greek, malakos, soft, and cincla, thrush, as in Malacocincla membranaceus, the Pink-eared Duck; the large spoon-shaped
cinereiceps, the Ashy-headed Babbler; resembles a thrush and has bill appears soft and pliable
soft-appearing plumage
M a l e O M AL-ee-o
From the native Indonesian name, as in Macrocephalon
maleo, the Maleo

135
M A LH E R B I

Malherbi m al-ERB-ee-eye Marina m ar-EE-na

After Alfred Malherbe, French magistrate and naturalist, Marine, of the sea, as in Pelagodroma marina,
as in Cyanoramphus malherbi, Malherbe s Parakeet the White-faced Storm Petrel

Malurus m al-O O -rus Marinus m ar-EE-nus

Greek, malos, soft, and oura, tail, as in Malurus cyaneus, Marine, of the sea, as in Larus marinus, the Great Black-backed Gull
the Superb Fairywren
Maritima, -mus m ar-ih-T E E -m a/m us
Manacus m an-AH -kus Marine, of the sea, as in Ammodramus maritimus, the Seaside Sparrow
Latin, from the Dutch manneken, a dwarf, little man, as in
Manacus manacus, the White-bearded Manakin Markhami M A R K -am -eye
After Albert Markham, English explorer and navy admiral,
Manucodia man-oo-KO-dee-a as in Oceanodroma markhami, the Markhams Storm Petrel
Javanese, manuk dewata, bird of the gods, as in Manucodia comrii,
the Curl-crested Manucode Marmoratus m ar-m o-RA-tus
Marbled, of marble, as in Brachyramphus marmoratus,
Mareca mar-EK-a the Marbled Murrelet
From the Portuguese for a kind of duck, as in Mareca (now Anas)
penelope, the Eurasian Wigeon Martinica, -us m ar- tin -EE -ka/kus
After Martinique, a Caribbean island, as in Porphyrio martinicus,
Margaritae m ar-gar-EE-tee the (American) Purple Gallinule, gallinule derived from the Latin
After Margaret Holt, the wife of American ornithologist gallina, meaning little hen
E. G. Holt, as in Batis margaritae, Margaret s Batis
Mauri M A W -rye
Margaroperdix mar-gar-o-PER-diks After Ernesto Mauri, Italian botanist, as in Calidris mauri,
Greek, margarodes, pearlescent, and perdix, partridge, as in the Western Sandpiper
Margaroperdix madagarensis, the Madagascan Partridge
Maximiliani m aks-i-m il-ee-AN-eye
Margai'OpS M AR-ga-rops After Prince Philipp Maximilian, German aristocrat and explorer,
Greek, margarites, pearl, and opsis, appearance, look, as in as in Pionus maximiliani, the Scaly-headed Parrot
Margaropsfuscatus, the Pearly-eyed Thrasher
Maximus, -a M A K S-ee-m us/m a
Margarornis m ar-gar-0 R-nis Largest, greatest, as in Thalasseus maximus, the Royal Tern
Greek, margarodes, pearlescent, and omis, bird, as in Margarornis
squamiger, the Pearled Treerunner
Thalasseus maximus,
Marginata, -us m ar-jin-A T-a/us Royal Tern
Marginatus, rimmed, as in Charadrius marginatus,
the White-fronted Plover

Marila m ar-1L-a
Greek, marile, charcoal,
as in Aythya marila, the
Greater Scaup, with
overall dark coloration

136
 M E L A N I T TA

Mayri M A R E-eye
L AT I N IN A C T I O N
After Ernst Mayr, German ornithologist and evolutionary
biologist, as in Ptiloprora mayri, Mayr’s Honeyeater

Mayrornis m are-O R-nis T h e faces o f b a rb e ts have stiff bristles th a t e x te n d

fo rw a rd and c o v er th e nares, th e base o f th e jaw,
After Ernst Mayr, German evolutionary biologist and
ornithologist, and Greek omis, bird, as in Mayrornis versicolor, and th e n e c k region, th u s resem blin g a beard;
the Versicolored Monarch h e n ce th e nam e b a rb e t fro m th e Latin barbatus,
b e a rd e d .T h e G o ld en -w h isk ered B arbet, along w ith
Mccownii m ak-KO W N-ee-eye 25 o th e r species, belongs to th e family o f A sian
After John McCown, American Army officer and naturalist, b a rb e ts, th e M egalaim idae, w hich reflects th e ir
as in Rhynchophanes mccownii, McCown s Longspur c h a ra c te ristic large th ro a ts. M egalaim idae have
zyg odactylous fe e t and a re brightly c o lo re d g re en
Meeki M EEK-eye w ith red , blue, and yellow m arkings. Megalaima
After Albert Meek, English explorer, as in Ninox meeki, the Manus chrysopogon d e sc rib e s th e G old en -w h iskered
Boobook or Hawk-Owl
B a rb e t as la rg e-th ro a te d w ith a gold ( chryso)

Megaceryle m e -ga -si r-IL -ee

b e a rd (G reek , pogon).
Greek, mega, great, large, and ceryle, a kingfisher, as in Megaceryle
alcyon, the Belted Kingfisher

Megadyptes m e-ga-DIP-teez
Greek, mega, great, large, and dyptes, diver, as in Megadyptes antipodes,
the Yellow-eyed Penguin

Megalaima m e-ga-LAY-m a
Greek, mega, great, large, and laima, throat, as in Megalaima
chrysopogon, the Golden-whiskered Barbet (see box)

Megalopterus me-ga-LOP-ter-us
Greek, mega, great, large, andptery, winged, as in Phalcoboenus
megalopterus, the Mountain Caracara

Megapodius me-ga-POD-ee-us
Greek, mega, great, large, and pons, foot, as in Megapodius laperouse,
the Micronesian Megapode

Megarynchus, -a, -os m e-ga-RIN K - us/a /os Melancholicus m el-an-K O L-ih-kus

Greek, mega, great, large, and Latin, rbynchus, bill, as in Greek, melas, black, dark, and chol-e, bile, as in Tyrannus
Megarynchuspitangua, the Boat-billed Flycatcher melancholicus, the Tropical Kingbird, an aggressive rather than
melancholic bird
Megascops M EG-a-skops
Greek, mega, great, large, and scops, owl, as in Megascops nudipes, Melanerpes m el-an-ER-peez
the Puerto Rican Screech Owl Greek, melas, black, dark, and herpes, creeper, as in Melanerpes
formicivorus, the Acorn Woodpecker
Melaenornis m el-ee-NOR-nis
Greek, melas, black, dark, and omis, bird, as in Melaenornis Melanitta m el-an-N IT -ta
pammelaina, the Southern Black Flycatcher Greek, melas, black, dark, and netta, duck, as in Melanitta fusca,
the Velvet Scoter

137
MELANOCHPHALA

Melanocephala, -us mel-an-o-se-FAL -a/us Melanogaster m el-an-o-G AS-ter

Greek, melas, black, dark, and Latin, cephala, head, as in Arenaria Greek, melas, black, dark, and gastro-, stomach, as in Ploceus
melanocephala, the Black Turnstone melanogaster, the Black-billed Weaver

Melanoceps mel-AN-o-seps Melanogenys m el-an-o-JEN- is

Greek, melas, black, dark, and Latin ceps, headed, as in Myrmeciza Greek, melas, black, dark, andgenys, cheek, as in Adelomyia
melanoceps, the White-shouldered Antbird melanogenys, the Speckled Hummingbird

Melanochlamys m el-an-o-K LAM -is Melanoleuca, -O S , -U S m el-an-o-LO Y-kak/os/kus

Greek, melas, black, dark, and chlamy, cloak, as in Accipiter Greek, melas, black, dark, and leukos, white, as in Tringa melanoleuca,
melanochlamys, the Black-mantled Goshawk the Greater Yellowlegs

Melanochlora m el-an-o-KLOR-a Melanolophus m el-an-o-LO -fus

Greek, melas, black, dark, and khloros, green, as in Melanochlora Greek, melas, black, dark, and lophus, crest, as in Gorsachius
sultanea, the Sultan Tit, with a glossy blackish-green back, neck, melanolophus, the Malayan Night Heron
and throat
Melanonota, ~HS m el-an-o-N O -ta/us
Melanocorypha m el-an-o-kor-IF-a Greek, melas, black, dark, and nota, mark, as in Pipraeidea
Greek, melas, black, dark, and koryphe, head, as in Melanocoryphc melanonota, the Fawn-breasted Tanager
mongolica, the Mongolian Lark
Melanophris m el-an-O -friss
Melanocorys m d -an-o-KOR-is Greek, melas, black, dark, and ophris, eybrow, as in Thalassarche
Greek, melas, black, dark, and korus, lark, as in Calamospiza melanophris, the Black-browed Albatross
melanocorys, the Lark Bunting
Melanop S M E L-an-ops
Greek, melas, black, dark, and ops, eye, as in Centropus melanops,
the Black-faced Coucal

Thalassarche melanophris, Melanoptera, -us m el-an-O P-ter-a/us

Black-browed Albatross Greek, melas, black, dark, andpteron, wing, as in Coracina
melanoptera, the Black-headed Cuckooshrike

Melanospiza m el-an-o-SPY-za
Greek, melas, black, dark, and spiza, finch, as in Melanospiza
richardsoni, the St. Lucia Black Finch

Melanotis m el-an-O -tis

Greek, melas, black, dark, and otus, ear, as in Pteruthius melanotis, the
Black-eared Shrike-babbler

Melanotos mel-an-O -tos

Greek, melas, black, dark, and noton, the back, as in Calidris
melanotos, the Pectoral Sandpiper

Melanura, ""11$ m el-an-O O -ra/us

Greek, melas, black, dark, and oura, tail, as in Polioptila melanura, the
Black-tailed Gnatcatcher

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 M el ANERPES

F
rom the Greek, melas, black, dark, and Melanerpes aurifrons,
herpes, creeper, the genus Melanerpes Golden-fronted Woodpecker
(mel-an-ER-peez) is the largest of the 30 genera
of woodpeckers with 22 species out of a total of fences. Woodpeckers hammer their
200. The only places woodpeckers are not beaks into trees 18 to 22 times per
found are Australia, New Zealand, second, at speeds of 13 to 15 miles
Madagascar, and the polar regions. They per hour (21 to 25 kilometers per
are all very recognizable with their stiff hour), thousands of times per day,
tails, zygodactyl feet (two toes forward, subjecting their brains to deceleration forces
two back), and their habit of climbing trees of 1.2 kilograms with each strike. So what
vertically and pecking at the bark. is it about the woodpecker skull
The specific names of the Melanerpes that protects them?
genus tend to be nicely descriptive. There is The beak is hard but elastic; the lower bill
M. aurifrons, the Golden-fronted Woodpecker; bends slightly with each impact. The skull is con­
M. formicivorous, the ant-eating Acorn Woodpecker; structed of a large number of thin bones that
and M. erythrocephalus, the Red-headed Wood­ criss-cross each other, making the head spongy and
pecker. There are also several eponyms like able to deform a little. A special bone called the hyoid
M. hoffmannii, M. lewis, and M. pucherani. supports the tongue and wraps around the back of
The most fascinating aspect of all woodpeckers is the skull to the nasal openings. Covered with muscles,
how they peck at bark and drill holes in trees or the hyoid bone’s looping structure around the whole
skull acts like a safety belt.
The musculature of the tongue allows it to be
extended the length of the head or more. The tongue
is made sticky by secretions from salivary glands and
the tip of the tongue, furnished with barbs or spines,
can be manipulated to capture insects or larvae.
Besides displaying these amazing adaptatione,
woodpeckers serve a very important function in the
environment by providing holes for other birds to nest
in. Bluebirds, tits, nuthatches, wrens, and others rely
on woodpecker-provided cavities.

Melanerpes herminieri,
Guadeloupe Woodpecker

The Guadeloupe Woodpecker is endemic

to the island of Guadeloupe. In spite of habitat
degradation, its population Is stable.

139
 M ele agris

T
his genus consists of two Meleagris gallopavo,
species: the Wild Turkey W ild Turkey
of discontinuous distribution
across the United States and
the Oscellated Turkey, found colonists were introduced to the
only in the Yucatan region of bird by Native Americans, they
Central America. Meleagris were surprised to see a bird they
(mel-ee-AH-gris) comes from were familiar with since it had
the Latin meaning guinea been raised in England for many
fowl: the Wild Turkey specific generations by this time.
name is gallopavo (Latin gallo, As American pioneers
cock, andpavo, peacock), and moved westward and cleared
that of the Ocellated Turkey is the forests, the habitat for
ocellata. No one knows where the word turkey came turkeys diminished. By the mid-1800s the turkey was
from, but it might have been Columbus who called gone from almost half of its original range, and by the
it tuka or tukki. early 1900s only around 30,000 turkeys remained in
We also don’t know if pilgrims and Indians ate the wild. After the turn of the century the decline of
Thanksgiving turkey in seventeen-century North the turkey population halted as protective measures
America, because apparently the pilgrims called all and reintroductions brought the population up to
wildfowl turkey. The Spaniards brought the Wild about 4.5 million across all states except Alaska.
Turkey home from North America and Turkeys are now bred to have a higher protein
it gradually became popular all over level and bigger breast muscles than wild birds, and
Europe, being variously called are raised in open pens or environmentally controlled
turkey-fowl, turkey bird, turkey cock, barns. The population of the US eats nearly 300
and even Indian Fowl because it was million turkeys each year, and around 50 million of
thought to come from those are consumed at Thanksgiving. That is about
the West Indies. 8 kilograms per year per person. In the EU, about
When the 3.5 kilograms are eaten per person each year.
Australians and South Africans eat a mere kilogram
of turkey each year, mainly around Christmas.
Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be
the national symbol of the US. The Bald Eagle,
Haliaeetus leucocephalus, won, but the turkey
graces tables nicely.

Meleagris ocellata,
Ocellated Turkey

140
 M F. N T A L I S

Meleagris mel-ee-AH-gris Melodus m el-O-dus

Greek, guineafowl; early dictionaries interchanged words for Greek, melodos, melodious, as in Charadrius melodus,
turkey, guineafowl, and peafowl, as in Meleagrisgallopavo, the the Piping Plover
Wild Turkey, and Numida meleagris, the Helmeted Guineafowl
Melophus m el-O-fus
Melichneutes m el-ik-N O Y-teez Greek, melos, black, dark, and lophus, crest, as in Melophus
Greek, meli, honey, and ikhnos, a track, footstep, as in Melichneutes (now Emberiza) lathami, the Crested Bunting
robustus, the Lyre-tailed Honeyguide
Melopsittacus m el-op-SIT-ta-kus
Melidectes mel-ee-DEK-teez Greek, melos, song, and Latin,psittacus, parrot, as in Melopsittacus
Greek, meli, honey, and dektes, a beggar, as in Melidectes leucostephes, undulatus, the Budgerigar or Common Parakeet
the Vogelkop Melidectes o f the honeyeater family
Melopyrrha mei-o-PEER-a
Melierax m el-ee-AIR-aks Greek, melas, black, dark, andpyrrha, red, flame-colored, as in
Greek, melos, song, and hierax, hawk or falcon, as in Melierax Melopyrrha nigra, the Cuban Bullfinch
canorus, the Pale Chanting Goshawk
Melospiza m el-o-SPY-za
Melilestes m el-ee-LES-teez Greek, melos, song, and spiza, finch, as in Melospiza lincolnii,
Greek, meli, honey, and lestes, a thief, as in Melilestes megarhynchus, Lincoln s Sparrow
the Long-billed Honeyeater
Membranaceus mem-bra -N A Y-see-us
Meliphaga mel-ee-FA-ga Membrana, membranous, as in Malacorhynchus membranaceus,
Greek, meli, honey, andphagein, eat, as in Meliphaga gracilis, the Pink-eared Duck; the scientific name describes the pliable
the Graceful Honeyeater spoon-shaped bill with membranes for filter feeding

MelithreptUS mel-ee-THREP-tus Menckei M EN K-ee-eye

Greek, meli, honey, and threptos, feed, nourish, as in Melithreptus After Bruno Mencke, German zoologist, as in Symposiachrus menckei,
albogularis, the White-throated Honeyeater the Mussau Monarch, of Mussau Island, New Guinea

Mellisuga m d -n -s o o -g a Mentalis m en-TAL-is

Mel, honey, and sugo, suck, as in Mellisuga helenae, the Bee O f the chin, as in Cracticus mentalis, the Black-backed
Hummingbird Butcherbird. This bird has a white chin set off from its
mostly black head and neck
Melodia mel-O-dee-a
Greek, melodos, melodious, as in Melospiza melodia,
the Song Sparrow

Charadrius melodus,

141
MENURA

Menura m en-OO -ra Mexicana, -us, -um mecks-ih -K A N -a/us/u m

Greek, mene, moon, and oura, tail, as in Menura. alberti, Albert s After Mexico, as in Sialia mexicana, the Western Bluebird
Lyrebird, with crescent moon-like markings (lunules) on the inner
web of the outer tail feathers Meyeri, -ianus M Y-er-eye/m y-er-ee-AN-nus
After Adolf Meyer, German anthropologist and ornithologist,
Merganetta m er-gan-ET-ta as in Epimachus meyeri, the Brown Sicklebill
Mergus, diver, and netta, duck, as in Merganetta armata,
the Torrent Duck M i c r a S t l U m y-K R A S-ter
Greek, micros, small, and Latin, astur, hawk, as in Micrastur ruficollis,
Merganser m er-G A N -zer the Barred Forest Falcon
Merger, to dive, and anser, goose, as in Mergus merganser,
the Common Merganser Microcochlearius my-kro-ko-klee-AR-ee-us
Greek, micros, small, and Latin, cochlear, spoon, as in Microcochlearius
Meropogon mer-o-PO-gon (now Hemitriccus)josephinae, the Boat-billed Tody-Tyrant
Greek, merops, a bee-eater, andpogon, beard, as in Meropogon
forsteni, the Purple-bearded or Celebes Bee-eater Microhierax m y-kro-HY-er-aks
Greek, micros, small, and hierax, a hawk or falcon, as in Microhierax
Merops mer -ors melanoleucos, the Pied Falconet
Greek, merops, a bee-eater, as in Merops apiaster, the
European Bee-eater Micromegas my-kro-M AY-gas
Greek, micros, small, and mega, large, as in Nesoctites micromegas,
Merrilli M ER-ril-eye the Antillean Piculet, which is twice as large as any of the other
After Elmer Merrill, American botanist, as in Ptilinopus piculets (a subfamily of small woodpeckers)
merrilli, the Cream-breasted Fruit Dove
Micromonacha m y-kro-m o-N AK -a
Greek, micros, small, and monakhos, a monk, as in Micromonacha
lanceolata, the Lanceolated Monklet; to someone this bird with
a lance-shaped bill resembled a monk

Micropalama m y-kro-pa-LAM -a
Greek, micros, small, andpalama, palm, as in Micropalama
(now Calidris) himantopus, the Stilt Sandpiper, referring
to the small amount of webbing between the toes

Micropsitta m y-krop-SIT-ta
Greek, micros, small, and Latin psittacus, parrot, as in Micropsitta
geelvinkiana, the Geelvink Pygmy Parrot

Microptera, -U S m y-K RO P-ter-a/us

Greek, micros, small, andpteron, wing, as in Mirafra microptera,
the Burmese Bush Lark

Microrhynchus, -um m y-kro-RIN K -us/um

Greek, micros, small, and Latin, rhynchus, bill, as in Bradomis
microrhynchus, the African Gray Flycatcher

Microsoma m y-kro-SO-ma
Greek, micros, small, and soma, body, as in Oceanodroma microsoma,
Sialia mexicana, the Least Storm Petrel
Western Bluebird

142
 MOLLISSIMA

Migratorius my-gra-TOR-ee-us
LATI N IN A C T I O N
Migrare, to move, as in Turdus migratorius, the American Robin,
migratory in parts of its range

Militaris m ii-ih-TAR-is From the Old English laferce, meaning songbird,

comes the word lark.The melodious songs of
Militar-, soldier, as in Ara militaris, the Military Macaw
many larks gave rise to the saying “happy as a lark”
Milvago mil-VA-go and the rather carefree attitude of “going off on a
lark.” Almost all larks are found in the Old World
Milvus, bird of prey, and -ago, resembling, as in Milvago chimango,
the Chimango Caracara and parts of Australia, and only one, the Horned
or Shore Lark, Eremophila alpestris, is found in
Milvus M IL -v us North America. (The so-called meadowlarks are
Milvus, bird of prey, as in Milvus migrans, the Black Kite actually classified as blackbirds.) The Rufous-naped
Lark’s genus Mirafra (from mira, wonderful)
Mimus MiM-us probably refers to its call. Larks are ground
Mimic, imitator, as in M imuspolyglottos, the Northern Mockingbird, dwellers (with an extended rear toe), but to
which copies the songs of other bird species
advertise their territories and attract mates,
Mindanensis m in-da -N E N -sis they have developed complex “flight songs”
that they often deliver in mid-air.
After Mindinao, Phillipines, as in Coracina mindanensis,
the Black-bibbed Cicadabird

Minimus, -um, -a M IN - ih -m us/m um /m a

Least, or smallest, as in Psaltriparus minimus, the American Bushtit Mirafra africana,
Rufous-naped Lark
Mino M Y-no
Mino, from the Hindi, maina, mynah, as in Mino (now Ampeliceps)
coronatus, the Golden-crested Myna

Minor M Y-nor
Inferior in grade, age, as in Chordeiles minor, the Common
Nighthawk. It is a medium-sized nighthawk, but probably seemed
small at the time it was named (when smaller species were unknown)

Minutilla m yn-oo-TIL-la
Minutus, little, as in Calidris minutilla, the Least Sandpiper

Minutus, -<l m y-N O O -tus/a Mniotilta nee-o-TIL-ta

Very small, as in Hydrocoloeus minutus, the Little Gull Greek, mnion, moss, and tiltos, plucked, as in Mniotilta varia,
the Black-and-white Warbler, which uses moss and other items
Mirabilis m ir-A H -bi-lis to construct its nest
Wonderful, as in Eriocnemis mirabilis, the Colorful Puffieg
Modesta, -tus m o-D E S-ta/tus
Mirafra mir-AF-ra Modestus, restrained, mild, modest, as in Progne modesta,
Miras, wonderful, and afra, African, as in Mirafra aficana, the Galapagos Martin, with plain, unadorned plumage
the Rufous-naped Lark (see box)
Mollissima m ol-LISS-sim -a
Mississippiensis mis-si-sip-pee-EN-sis Mollis, soft, as in Somateria mollissima, the Common Eider,
After Mississippi, as in Ictinia mississippiensis, the Mississippi Kite a bird whose down is collected from its nests to be used for
pillows and such

143
MO LLUCCENSIS

Monias w o -n y e -as
Greek, monases, alone, as in Monias benschi, the Subdesert Mesite;
the scientific name a misnomer, as it is found in groups

Monocerata m on-o-ser-AH-ta
Greek, monos, single, one, and keros, horn, as in Cerorhinca
monocerata, the Rhinoceros Auklet

Montana, “U S m on-TA N -a/us

Relating to mountains, as in Charadrius montanus, the Mountain Plover

Montani m on-TAN-eye
After Joseph Montano, French anthropologist, as in Anthracoceros
montani, the Sulu Hornbill

Montezumae m on-te-ZO O M -ee

Latinized form of the name of the Aztec emperor of Mexico,
as in Cyrtonyx montezumae, the Montezuma Quail

Monticola m on-ti- K O -la

Montis, mountain, and colo, inhabit, as in Monticola brevipes,
the Short-toed Rock Thrush
Molluccensis moi-iuk-sEN-sis
After the Moluccas (Maluku Islands), as in Pitta moluccensis, Montifringilla m on-ti-frin-JIL-la
the Blue-winged Pitta Montis, mountain, andfringilla, finch, as in Fringilla montifringilla,
the Brambling
Molothrus m ol-O -thrus
Greek, molobrus, beggar or parasite, as in Molothrus ater, Morinellus m or-ih-N E L -lus
the Brown-headed Cowbird, which is a nest parasite Greek, moros, foolish, stupid, and ella, diminutive, as in Charadrius
morinellus, the Eurasian Dotterel, a bird easily approached
Momotus m o-M O -tus
Derives from the birds call, motmot, as in Momotus momota, Moms m o r -us
the Amazonian Motmot Greek, moros, foolish, stupid, as in Morus bassanus, the Northern
Gannet, possibly named for its spectacular feeding dives
Monachus m o-N AK -us
Monk, as in Myiopsitta monachus, the Monk Parakeet; the hood-like Motacilla m o-ta-SIL-la
markings on the head are said to resemble a monk’s hood Motus, move, and cilia, inaccurately used to mean tail, as in
Motacilla alba, the White Wagtail, which frequently wags its tail
Monarcha m o-N AR -ka
Greek, monarkhos, monarch, king, as in Monarchagodejfroyi, Muelleri M EW -ler-eye
the Yap Monarch After Salomon Mueller, a Dutch naturalist, as in Lewinia muelleri,
the Aukland Rail
Monasa m o-N AS-a
Greek, monases, alone, as in Monasaflavirostris, the Yellow-billed Multistriata, “U S m ul-ti-stree-AT-a/us
Nunbird, a sedentary bird. They live in small, territorial groups and Multi, many, and striata, a streak, furrow, as in Charmosyna
keep to themselves multistriata, the Striated Lorikeet

Mongolica m on-G O -lik-a Muscicap 3. m us-si-KAP-a

After Mongolia, as in Melanocorypha mongolica, Musca, fly, and capio, capture, as in Muscicapa (now Cyanoptila)
the Mongolian Lark cyanomelana, the Blue and White Flycatcher

144
 MYZORNIS

Muscisaxicola mus-si-saks-ih-K0-la Myiopsitta my-ee-op-SIT-ta

Musca, fly, saxum, stone, and colo, inhabit, as \n Muscisaxicola Greek, muia, fly, gnat, and Latin>psittacus, parrot, as in
maculirostris, the Spot-billed Ground Tyrant, a flycatcher that nests Myiopsitta monachus, the Monk Parakeet; not serious
on the ground insect eaters, the genus name seems not to fit
Muscivora mus-si-VOR-a Myiornis my-ee-OR-nis
Musca, fly, and vorus, devour, swallow, as in Muscivora (now Greek, muia, fly, gnat, and amis, bird, as in Myiomis ecaudatus,
Tyrannus)forficatus, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher the Short-tailed Pygmy-Tyrant, the smallest passerine (songbird)
in the world
Musophaga moo-so-FAY-ga
Musa, banana, andphagus, eater of, as in Musophaga rossae, Myiozetetes my-ee-o-ze-TET-eez
Rosss Turaco Greek, muia, fly, gnat, and zetetes, a seeker, hunter, as in Myiozetetes
granadensis, the Gray-capped Flycatcher
Mustelina mus-tel-EE-a
Resembling a weasel, as in Hylocichla mustelina, the Wood Thrush, Myrmeciza mer-meh-size-a
whose color may be deemed weasel-like Greek, myrmec, ant, and izo, ambush, as in Myrmecizagoeldii,
Goeldi s Antbird
Muta MOO-ta
Mute, quiet, as in Lagopus muta, the Rock Ptarmigan, which has only Myrmecocichla mer-meh-ko-SICK-la
a croakingsong Greek, myrmec, ant, and dchla, thrush-like bird, as in Myrmecocichla
nigra, the Sooty Chat
Myadestes my-a-DEST-eez
Greek, muia, fly, gnat, and edestes, eater, as in Myadestes toumsendi, Myrmornis mir-MOR-mis
Townsends Solitaire Greek, myrmec, ant, and amis, bird, as in Myrmornis torquata,
the Wing-banded Antbird
Mycteria mik-TER-ee-a
Greek, mukter, nose, snout, as in Mycteria ibis, Myrmotherula mir-mo-ther- 0 0 -la
the Yellow-billed Stork Greek, myrmec, ant, and theras, hunter, as in Myrmotherula axillaris,
the White-flanked Antwren
Myiagra my-AG-ra
Greek, muia, fly, gnat, and agra, catching, seizure, as in Myiagra atra, Mystacalis miss-ta-KAL-is
the Biak Black Flycatcher Mustache, as in Diglossa mystacalis, the Moustached Flowerpiercer
Myiarchus my-ee-ARK-us Mystacea miss-TACE-ee-a
Greek, muia, fly, gnat, and archos, ruler, as in Myiarchus crinitus, Greek, mystac, upper lip, mustache, as in Sylvia mystacea,,Menetriess
the Great Crested Flycatcher Warbler, after £douard Menetries, French zoologist
Myioborus my-ee-o-BOR-us Myzomela my-zo-MEL-a
Greek, muia, fly, gnat, and borus, eating, as in Myioborus amatus, Greek, muzo, to suck, and meli, honey, as in Myzomela
the Golden-fronted Whitestart erythrocephala, the Red-headed Myzomela
Myiodynastes my-ee-o-dye-NAST-eez Myzornis my-ZOR-nis
Greek, muia, fly, gnat, and dynastes, ruler, chief, as in Myiodynastes Greek, muzo, to suck, and omis, bird, as in Myzornispyrrhoura, the
luteiventris, the Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher Fire-tailed Myzornis; its diet includes nectar and tree sap
Myioparus my-ee-o-PAR-us
Greek, muia, fly, gnat, and Laxin,parus, a titmouse, as in Myioparus
plumbeus, the Gray Tit-Flycatcher

145
 Bird Songs and Calls
I
n te m p e ra te z o n es, b re e d in g se a so n fo r m o s t b ird s calls o r o th e r v o c a liz a tio n s, e v en m e lo d ic o n e s, b u t
is in th e s p rin g ; o n ly in th e tro p ic s is it a ll year. u su a lly ju s t h o n k s , q u a c k s, g ru n ts , w h e e z e s, o r g ro w ls.
A t y o u r b ir d fe ed e r, in s h ru b s , o r in th e sky y o u c an H u m a n s h av e a la ry n x , a se t o f m u sc le s a n d
h e a r b ird s m a k in g s o u n d s th r o u g h o u t th e year, b u t c a rtila g e o n to p o f th e tra c h e a th a t lea d s to th e lu n g s,
o ra l c o m m u n ic a tio n b e tw e e n b ird s is m u c h m o re o v e r w h ic h a ir flow s to p ro d u c e so u n d s . B ird s h av e a
o b v io u s a n d fre q u e n t d u r in g c o u rts h ip a n d n e stin g . sim ila r s tru c tu re , a sy rin x , b u t it is lo c a te d o n th e
S o n g s are c o m p le x s o u n d s ty p ic a lly u s e d d u rin g b o tto m o f th e tra c h e a , c lo se r to th e lu n g s a n d airsacs
b re e d in g se a so n to a ttr a c t m ate s a n d d e fe n d fo r e ffic ie n t so u n d p ro d u c tio n . T h e re a re lo ts o f
te rrito rie s . C a lls are s im p le so u n d s u su a lly m e a n t s o u n d -re la te d m o d ific a tio n s in th e b ir d w o rld .
to c o n v e y in fo rm a tio n s u c h as th e lo c a tio n o f a b ird , S w an s h av e a lo n g tra c h e a th a t c u rls in to th e ste rn u m ,
to k e e p a flo c k to g e th e r, o r to s o u n d a n a la rm ; fo r a llo w in g th e p r o d u c tio n o f lo w fre q u e n c y so u n d s.
e x am p le, th e s o u n d s flo ck s o f m ig ra tin g geese m ak e O ilb ird s a n d sw iftlets p ro d u c e s o u n d s sim ila r to s o n a r
o r th e c h a tte rin g a ro u n d th e b ird fe ed e r. S o n g s are fo r n a v ig a tio n , e ffectiv e in th e d a rk p la c e s th e y o fte n
p ro d u c e d o n ly by b ird s c la ssified as s o n g b ird s (o rd e r in h a b it. S o m e b ird s, lik e b u sh s h rik e s a n d b a b b le rs,
P a ss e rifo rm e s )— ju s t o v e r 5 0 p e rc e n t o f all th e b ird s en g ag e in a n tip h o n a l sin g in g ; o n e b ird o f a p a ir sin g s,
in th e w o rld — b u t n o t all b ird s o f th e o rd e r p ro d u c e th e n th e o th e r, s o u n d in g lik e o n e b ir d sin g in g .
so n g s, su c h as jays a n d cro w s, fo r e x am p le. “S o n g ­ It ta k e s a b it o f p ra c tic e to id e n tify b ird s b y th e ir
b ird s ” is a c o m m o n te rm , b u t th o s e b ird s in th e o rd e r so n g s o r calls a n d i t ’s b e s t to le a rn fro m so m e o n e w h o
P a sse rifo rm e s are re la te d d u e to th e ir a n a to m ic a n d k n o w s th e m . T h e re a re re c o rd in g s av ailab le o n C D s
p h y sio lo g ic sim ila ritie s , su c h as th e s tru c tu re o f th e a n d th e in te r n e t to h e lp y o u le a rn th e s e so n g s, b u t be
p a la te , th e fe e t, a n d th e w in g s, n o t o n th e ir s in g in g aw are th a t b ird s, lik e h u m a n s , h av e re g io n a l accen ts.
a b ilitie s. B ird s n o t in th e P a sserifo rm es o r d e r h ave D iffe re n t p o p u la tio n s o f s o n g b ird s h a v e so n g s th a t
d iffer, so m e tim e s c o n sid e ra b ly . S p a rro w s fro m th e e a s t
o f N o r th A m e ric a m a y s o u n d d iffe re n t th a n th o se in
Serinus canaria, th e w est. S o i t ’s re ally b e st to le a rn so n g s fro m
Atlantic Canary b ird s in y o u r area.

The Atlantic Canary, native to the

Canary Islands and Madeira, has been
domesticated and bred into
a variety of colors.
 B 1 R I) S O N G S A N D C A L L S

S o m e n a tu ra lis ts m ig h t d isa g re e , b u t b ird s d o n o t

s in g p u re ly fo r e n jo y m e n t. S in g in g serv es r e p r o d u c ­
tiv e a c tiv itie s n e ce ssary fo r th e su rv iv a l o f th e sp ecies,
fo r p a ssin g g e n es to th e n e x t g e n e ra tio n . B u t it is also
d a n g e ro u s ; s in g in g a ttra c ts a tte n tio n , a n d th u s
c o m p e tito rs a n d p re d a to rs . T y p ically , o n ly m ale s sin g
a n d are a ttra c tiv e ly c o lo re d . F em ales ra re ly s in g a n d
a re u su a lly d u ll c o lo re d . S in g in g o c c u rs u su a lly in th e
b re e d in g se a so n . I f s in g in g w e re a c tu a lly a n e x p re s­
s io n o f joy, b o th m ales a n d fe m a le s w o u ld d o it, a n d
all y e ar a ro u n d . It m ay b e n ic e to th in k th e ro b in
w a rb lin g h is m e lo d io u s so n g is e x p re ssin g h is
h a p p in e ss , b u t su rv iv al, n o t e m o tio n , is th e d riv er.
B ird s o n g is p a rtly g e n e tic a n d p a rtly le a rn e d .
E x p e rim e n ts h av e s h o w n th a t y o u n g b ird s, iso la te d
fro m th e ir p a re n ts , sin g a so n g , b u t i t ’s in c o m p le te
a n d o n ly p a rtia lly tru e to th e ir sp ecies. A n d i f th e y
h e a r o th e r so n g s, th e y in c o rp o ra te p a r ts o f th e m . Telophorus quadricolor,
Four-colored Bushshrike
Y o u n g b ird s h a v e to le a rn th e fu ll s o n g b y lis te n in g
to th e ir p a re n ts in th e s p rin g o r su m m e r The Four-colored Bushshrike’s simple call augments
fo llo w in g th e y e a r th e y are h a tc h e d . its spectacular colors to attract attention.
Y ears ag o , sin g in g c a n a rie s w e re
p o p u la r. A ra d io sh o w in th e U S in th e o r n ith o lo g is ts th a t th e s e m ig h t b e d iffe re n t sp ecies.
1 9 4 0 s fe a tu re d d o z en s o f c a n a rie s In th e U S , th e w e ste rn a n d e a s te rn p o p u la tio n s o f
s in g in g a lo n g w ith classical re c o rd s. th e M a rsh W re n , Cistothoruspalustris, fo r ex am p le,
T h e re w as a c a n a ry so n g tr a in in g re c o rd d iffe r in so n g a n d a re th e re fo re b e in g s tu d ie d fo r
y o u c o u ld use a t h o m e to te a c h y o u r a p o ssib le s e p a ra tio n in to tw o sp ecies. A s w ith
c a n a ry to sin g . T h e ir p o p u la r ity le d all o th e r b ir d c h a ra c te ris tic s, n e w in fo rm a tio n
u n s c ru p u lo u s p e t sh o p o w n e rs to in je c t b o th b rin g s n e w ta x o n o m ic c o n s id e ra tio n s .
m a le a n d fe m a le c a n a rie s w ith te s to s te ro n e ,
th e m ale h o r m o n e th a t in d u c e s sin g in g
( a n d o th e r c o u rts h ip b e h a v io r). N e e d le ss to Cistothorus palustris,
say, th e n e w o w n e rs w e re d is a p p o in te d Marsh W ren
w h e n , a fte r a few w eek s, th e c a n a rie s
Marsh Wrens build a domed
s to p p e d s in g in g as th e h o r m o n e w o re off. nest with a side entrance and
F o r m a n y y ears so n g s h a v e b e e n support it with emergent
u se d as a w ay to id e n tify sp ecies. marsh plants.

V a ria tio n s in th e calls o f sim ila r­

lo o k in g b ird s also p ro v id e h in ts to
N A EV I U S

N
Naevius, -a, -oides
N EE-vee-us/a/nee-vee-O ID -eez
Naevus, spot or spotted, as in Ixoreus naevius, the Varied Thrush

Naevosa nee-VO-sa
Naevus, spot or spotted, as in Stictonetta naevosa, the Freckled Duck

Nahani na-H AN -eye

After P. F. Nahan, a Belgian traveler, as in Ptilopachus nahani,
Nahans Partridge

Nana, -nus N A -na/nus Natalis na-TAL-is

Nanus, dwarf, as in Acanthiza nana, the Yellow Thornhill, with a bill Birthday, as in Ninox natalis, the Christmas Boobook, endemic to
not unlike a sharp thorn Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean

Napensis na-PEN-sis N a t i v i t a t i s nu-tiv-ih-TA T-us

Greek, nape, the woods, and -ensis, belonging to, as in Megascops Nativitas, birth, as in Puffinus nativitatis, the Christmas Shearwater,
napensis, the Napo Screech Owl common name from Christmas Island in the Pacific (Kiribati)

Napothera na-po-TH ER-a Nattererii NAT-er-er-ee-eye

Greek, nape, the woods, and therao, hunt, as in Napothera atrigularis, After Johann Natterer, an Australian naturalist and collector,
the Black-throated Wren-Babbler as in Cotinga nattererii, the Blue Cotinga

Natalensis na-ta-LE N -sis Naumanni N O Y-m an-eye

Natal, South Africa, specifically the Natal, and -ensis, belonging to, After Johann Naumann, German farmer and naturalist,
as in Cisticola natalensis, the Croaking Cisticola, a bird found in as in Falco naumanni, the Lesser Kestrel
Africa south of the Sahara
Nebouxii ne-BOUKS-ee-eye
After Adolphe Neboux, French physician and naturalist,
as in Sula nebouxii, the Blue-footed Booby

Nebularia neb-oo-LAR-ee-a
Nebula, mist, cloudy, and aria, belonging to, as in Tringa nebularia,
the Common Greenshank, with grayish-brown winter plumage

Nebulosa neb-oo-LOS-a
Nebula, mist, cloudy, as in Strix nebulosa, the Great Gray Owl,
an allusion to its grayish color

Necropsar ne-KRO P-sar

Greek, necro, dead, andpsar, starling, as in Necropsar rodericanus,
the extinct Rodrigues Starling

Nectarinia nek-tar-IN-ee-a
Greek, nectar, and inus, belonging to, as in Nectariniafamosa,
the Malachite Sunbird

148
 NESOCTITES

Neergaardi N ER-ga rd-eye Neopsittacus nee-op-SIT-ta-kus

After P. Neergaard, recruiter for Witwatersrand mines, as in Greek, neo, new, and Latin,psittacus, parrot, as in Neopsittacus
Cinnyris neergaardi, Neergaard s Sunbird pullicauda, the Orange-billed Lorikeet; probably reflects a newly
discovered genus of parrots at the time of naming
Neglecta, ~U S ne-G LE K -ta/tus
Neglected, as in Stumella neglecta, the Western Meadowlark, Neospiza nee-o-SPY-za
which was for years thought to be the western population of the Greek, neo, new, and spiza, finch, as in Neospiza (now Crithagra)
Eastern Meadowlark concolor, the Sao Tome Grosbeak

Nehrkorni N AIR-korn-eye Neotis nee-O-tis

After Adolphe Nehrkorn, German ornithologist and oologist, Greek, neos, new, and otis, bustard, as in Neotis denhami,
as in Dicaeum nehrkorni, the Crimson-crowned Flowerpecker Denhams Bustard

Nelsoni NEL-son-eye Nereis ner-cc-h

After Edward Nelson, founding president of the American A sea god, as in Stemula nereis, the Fairy Tern
Ornithologists’ Union, as in Vireo nelsoni, the Dwarf Vireo
Nesasio ne-SAS-ee-o
Nemoricola nem -or-ih-K O -la Greek, nesos, island, and asio, litde horned owl, as in Nesasio
Nemus, a grove, and colo, dwell, as in Gallinago nemoricola, solomonensis, the Fearful Owl
the Wood Snipe; Snipe from the Old Norse, snipa
Nesocichla ne-so-SICK-la
Nemosia ne-MO-see-a Greek, nesos, island, and Latin, cichla, thrush, as in Nesocichla
Nemus, a grove, as in Nemosia pileata, the Hooded Tanager eremita, the Tristan Thrush

Neochelidon nee-o-K EL-ih-don Nesoctites ne-sock-TITE-eez

Greek, neo, new, and chelidon, swallow, as in Neochelidon tibialis, Greek, nesos, island, and ktites, inhabitants, as in Nesoctites
the White-thighed Swallow micromegas, the Antillean Piculet

N e O c h e n NEE-o-ken
Greek, neo, new, and chen, goose, as in Neochenjubata,
the Orinoco Goose

Neocichla m e - o -s ic K - u
Greek, neo, new, and cichla, thrush, as in Neocichla gutturalis,
the Babbling Starling

Neodrepanis nee-o-dre-PAN-is
Greek, neo, new, and drepane, a sickle, as in Neodrepanis coruscans,
the Common Sunbird-Asity, with a sickle-shaped bill

Neomorphus nee-o-M OR-fus

Greek, neo, new, and morphe, form, as in Neomorphus rufipennis,
the Rufous-winged Ground Cuckoo

Neophema nee-o-FEEM -a
Greek, neo, new, and Euphema, a previous genus of birds no longer
used, as in Neophema elegans, the Elegant Parrot

149
N E SO F R EG ET T A

Nesofregetta ne-so-fre-GET-ta
Greek, nesos, island, andfegetta, Latinized form of English frigate, LATI N IN A C T I O N
as in Nesofregettafuliginosa, the Polynesian Storm Petrel

Nesomimus ne-SO M -ih-nus Both Kaka and Nestor are unusual names, but
for different reasons. The New Zealand Kaka,
Greek, nesos, island, and mimus, mimic, as in Nesomimus
{now Mimus) trifasciatus, the Floreana Mockingbird Nestor meridionalis, was named by the Maori for its
call and the genus name came from Greek
Nesospiza ne-so-SPY-za mythology. Nestor was an Argonaut who assisted
Greek, nesos, island, and spiza, finch, as in Nesospiza questi, in the hunt for the centaurs and fought in the
the Nightingale Island Finch Trojan War at the age of I 10. There appears to be
no reason to assign the Kaka this name, but over
Nesotriccus ne-so-TRIK-kus the years, beginning with Linnaeus, names from
Greek, nesos, island, and trikkos, a small bird, as in Nesotriccus classical mythology were occasionally chosen for
ridgwayi, the Cocos Flycatcher birds. The specific epithet, meridionalis, simply
Nestor N E S-tor
means southern. The Kaka is a primitive parrot,
having evolved from ancestors about five million
Hero from greek mythology, as in Nestor meridionalis, the New
Zealand Kaka (see box), a Maori name meaning parrot years ago. Its brush-like tongue tip is one
differentiating characteristic, allowing it to dine
Netta N E T -ta on nectar, as well as a variety of fruit.
Greek, netta or nessa, duck, as in Netta erythrophthalma,
the Southern Pochard

Nettapus n e t -u -pus
Greek, netta or nessa, duck, and pous, foot, as in Nettapus pulchellus,
Nestor meridionalis, the Green Pygmy Goose
New Zealand Kaka
Neumanni N O Y-m an-nye
After Oskar Neumann, a German ornithologist, as in Urosphena
neumanni, Neumanns Warbler

Neumayer n o y -mare
After Franz Neumayer, Austrian botanist, as in Sitta neumayer,
the Western Rock Nuthatch

Newelli noo-W EL-lee-eye

After Matthias Newell, Hawaiian missionary, as in Pujfinus newelli,
Newells Shearwater

Newtonia, -iana noo-TO NE-ee-a/noo-tone-ee-AN-a

After Alfred Newton, British zoologist, as in Newtonia amphichroa,
the Dark Newtonia

Niger, -ra NY-jer/gra

Black, as in Chlidonias niger, the Black Tern

Nigrescens nee-GRESS-sens
Blackish, from niger, black, as in Setophaga nigrescens,
the Black-throated Gray Warbler

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 NITIDUS

Nigricans N EE -gri-kans
Nigrico, becoming black, from niger, black, as in Sayomis
nigricans, the Black Phoebe

Nigricapillus, -ocapillus
n ee -gri-ka -PIL - lus/n ee-gro-ca -PIE - lus
Niger, black, and capillus, hair on che head, as in Formicarius
nigricapillus, the Black-headed Antthrush

Nigricauda n ee-gri-KA W-da

Niger, black, and cauda, tail, as in Myrmeciza nigricauda,
Esmeraldas Antbird

Nigriceps NEE-gri-seps
Niger, black, and ceps, headed, as in Serinus nigriceps,
the Ethiopian Siskin
Machaerirhynchus nigripectus,
Nigricollis nee-gri-KOL-lis Black-breasted Boatbill
Niger, black, and collis, neck, collar, as in Grus nigricollis,
the Black-necked Crane
Nigropectus nee-gro-PEK-tus
Nigrifrons N E E -gri -fro n z Niger, black, and pectus, breast, as in Biatas nigropectus,
Niger, black, andfrons, front, forehead, as in Chlorophoneus the White-bearded Antshrike
nigrifrons, the Black-fronted Bushshrike
Nigrorufa, -fus nee-gro-ROO-fa/fus
Nigripectus n ee-gri-PEK- tus Niger, black, rufus, red, as in Ficedula nigrorufa, the
Niger, black, and pectus, breast, as in Machaerirhynchus nigripectus, Black-and-orange Flycatcher
the Black-breasted Boatbill
Nigroventris n ee-gro - VEN -tris
Nigripennis nee-gri-PEN-nis Niger, black, ventris, belly, as in Euplectes nigroventris,
Niger, black, and penna, feather, as in Oriolus nigripennis, the Zanzibar Red Bishop
the Black-winged Oriole
Nilotica, -us nee-LO T-ih-ka/us
Nigripes nee-GRIP-eez Niloticus refers to the Nile River where Gelochelidon nilotica,
Niger, black, and pes, foot, as in Phoebastria nigripes, the Gull-billed Tern, was first described
the Black-footed Albatross
Ninox N Y-noks
Nigrirostris n ee-gri-ROSS-tris Derivation unknown, as in Ninox jacquinoti, Solomons
Niger, black, and rostris, bill or beak, as in Andigena nigrirostris, Boobook or the Hawk-Owl
the Black-billed Mountain Toucan
Nipalensis ni-pa-LE N -sis
Nigri ta nee-GRIT-a After Nepal, as in Nisaetus nipalensis, the Mountain Hawk-Eagle
Niger, black, as in Nigrita bicolor, the Chestnut-breasted Nigri ta
Nitens N I-te n z
Nigrogularis nee-gro-goo-LAR-is Nitere, to shine, as in Phainopepla nitens, the Phainopepla,
Niger, black, and gularis, throat, as in Colinus nigrogularis, a silky-plumaged bird
the Yucatan Bobwhite
Nitidus ni- TY-dus
Elegant, trim, gleaming, as in Buteo nitidus, the Gtay-lined Hawk

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NIVALIS

Notata, -U S no-TA -ta/tus

Notat, marked, as in Meliphaga notata, the Yellow-spotted
Honeyeater

Nothocercus no-tho-SIR-cus
Greek, nothos, counterfeit, and Latin, cerco, tail, as in Nothocercus
Julius, the Tawny-breasted Tinamou, whose tail is virtually absent

Nothoprocta no-tho-PRO K-ta

Greek, nothos, counterfeit, and proktos, anus or hindpart,
as in Nothoprocta ornata, the Ornate Tinamou; counterfeit
refers to the hidden tail

Nothura ho-t h u r -u
Greek, nothos, counterfeit, and oura, tail as in Nothura maculosa,
the Spotted Nothura; counterfeit refers to the hidden tail

Notiochelidon no-tee-o-KEL-ih-don
Greek, notios, southern, and chelidon, swallow, as in Notiochelidon
cyanoleuca, the Blue-and-white Swallow

Notornis no-TOR-nis
Greek, notos, the south, and omis, bird, as in Notornis (now
Porphyrio) mantelli, the Mohoau

Plectrophenax nivalis, Novaeguineae no-vee-GW IN-ee-ee

Snow Bunting New Guinea, as in Dacelo novaeguineae, the Laughing Kookaburra

Novaehollandiae no-vee-hol-LAND-ee-ee
Nivalis ni-VAL-is After New Holland, historical name for Australia, as in
Nivis, snow, as in Plectrophenax nivalis, the Snow Bunting Anhinga novaehollandiae, the Australasian Darter

Niveigularis ni-vee-eye-goo-LAR-is
Nivis, snow, and gularis, throat, as in Tyrannus niveigularis,
the Snowy-throated Kingbird

Nivea NI-vee-a
Nivis, snow, as in Pagadroma nivea, the Snow Petrel

Nobilis no-BIL-us
Known or famous, as in Moho nobilis, the extinct Hawaii Oo

N o n n u l a non-N O O -la
Greek, nonna, nun, and -ulus, diminutive, as in Nonnula ruficapilla,
the Rufous-capped Nunlet, closely related to nunbirds

Notabilis no-TA-bU-is
Notable, remarkable, as in Nestor notabilis, the Kea,
common name from its call

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 NYSTALUS

Novaeseelandiae no-vee-se-LAND -ee-eye

After Zeelandia, Zeeland, Netherlands; historical name for New
Zealand, as in Aythya novaeseelandiae, the New Zealand Scaup

Noveboracensis no-va-bor-a-SEN-sis
Latinized form o f New York, as in Seiurus noveboracensis,
the Northern Waterthrush

Nuchalis noo-KAL-is
Nucha, nape, -alis, belonging to, as in Glareola nuchalis, the Rock
Pratincole, with a white collar across its nape
Glareola nuchalis,
Nucifraga noo-si-FRAG-a Rock Pratincole
Nux, nut, andfrangere, to break, as in Nucifraga Columbiana,
Clarks Nutcracker, named after the explorer William Clark
Nycticorax nik-n-K O R-aks
Nudiceps Noo-di-seps Greek, nyx, night, and Latin, corax, raven, as in Nycticorax nycticorax,
Nudus, bare, and ceps, head, as in Gymnocichla nudiceps, the Black-crowned Night Heron
the Bare-crowned Antbird
Nycticryphes n ik-a -K R i-fie z
Nudicollis noo-di-KOL-lis Greek, nyx, night, and cryptos, hidden, as in Nycticryphes semicollaris,
Nudus, bare, and collis, throat, as in Procnias nudicollis, the South American Painted-snipe, a crepuscular (dusk) to somewhat
the Bare-throated Bellbird nocturnal bird

Nuditarsus noo-di-TAR-sus Nyctidromus mk-n-DROM-us

Nudus, bare, and tarsus, ankle, as in Aerodramus nuditarsus, Greek, nyx, night, and dromos, runner, as in Nyctidromus
the Bare-legged Swiftlet albicollis, the Pauraque, a nocturnal bird, the common name
from a Spanish transliteration of the call
Numenius noo-M EN-ee-us
Greek, noumenios, curlew, as in Numeniusphaeopus, the Whimbrel Nyctiprogne m k-n h-P R O G -nee
Greek, nyx, night, and Procne, a figure in Greek mythology
Numida noo-M ID -a who was turned into a swallow, as in Nyctiprogne leucopyga,
Greek, nomas, nomad, as in Numida meleagris, the Helmeted the Band-tailed Nighthawk
GuineafowL These birds can wander several miles a day in search of food
Nyctyornis n ik-tee-o R -nis
Nuttallii nut-TAL-lee-eye Greek, nyx, night, and omis, a bird, as in Nyctyornis athertoni,
After Thomas Nuttall, English botanist and zoologist, as in the Blue-bearded Bee-eater, mistakenly described as nocturnal.
Picoides nuttallii, Nuttall s Woodpecker Its long throat feathers give it its common name

Nuttingi N U T-ting-eye Nymphicus nim -FIK -us

After Charles Nutting, American naturalist and collector, as in Nympha, nymph, and -icus, belonging to, derived from, as in
Myiarchus nuttingi, Nutting s Flycatcher Nymphicus hollandicus, the Cockatiel, named by the first Europeans
to see the bird in Australia for its beauty
Nyctanassa n ik-ta -N A S sa
Greek, nyx, night, and anassa, queen, as in Nyctanassa violacea, Nystalus nis-TAL-us
the Yellow-crowned Night Heron Greek, nustaleos, sleepy, as in Nystalus maculatus,
the Caatinga Puffbird, from its lethargic behavior
Nyctibius nik-TIB-ee-us
Greek, nyx, night, and, bius, living, as in Nyctibius grandis,
the nocturnal Great Potoo

153
 Konrad Lorenz
( 1903- 1989)

K
onrad Lorenz, zoologist, ethologist, and In 1938 Lorenz became a member of the Nazi
ornithologist, was born in Austria in 1903. Party and dedicated his work to the “ideas of the
His most signficant accomplishment was sharing National Socialists.” He later denied being a party
the 1973 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine member, minimized the extent of the Holocaust,
with Nikolaas Tinbergen and Karl von Frisch. and claimed he was not anti-Semitic, though his
Lorenz studied instinctive behavior in birds and letters show otherwise.
was one of the founders of the science of ethology In 1940 Lorenz became a professor of
(animal behavior). He was especially known for his psychology at the University of Konigsberg.
explanation of imprinting, behavior that develops A year later he was conscripted into the German
without any prior experience and remains for the Army as a clinical psychologist. Near the end of
animal’s life. Lorenz credits his parents with the war in 1944 he was sent to the Russian front
imprinting him with a life-long love for animals and was held as a prisoner of war for four years.
and passion for birds. He continued his studies even as a prisoner and
Lorenz went to medical school at the University kept a pet starling as a companion.
of Vienna, earned his MD, and served as an assistant In 1958, Lorenz was employed at the Max
professor of anatomy until 1935. Later he earned a PhD Planck Institute for Behavioral Physiology and
in Zoology at the same institution. Lorenz was a friend remained there until 1973, the year he received his
and student of renowned biologist Sir Julian Huxley, shared Nobel Prize. Besides the Nobel Prize, Lorenz
and after graduating, he met Nikolaas Tinbergen, received other honors, including the Austrian
who became a good friend and colleague. Both were Decoration for Science and Art (1964) and the
interested in aspects of instinct and collaborated Gold Medal of the Humboldt Society (1972).
on studies of geese, both wild and domestic. Lorenz was the author of several books.
Perhaps his best known are King Solomon s Ring
and On Aggression, both written for a general
audience. In the first book Lorenz asserts that his
power to communicate with animals is comparable
to King Solomon’s. On Aggression argues that all
animals, especially males, are aggressive as a way
to gain and protect resources.

Here, Lorenz, right, walks with Nikolaas

Tinbergen, fellow Nobel Prize laureate
who also worked with birds.

154
 KONRAD LORENZ

"Truth in science can be defined as the working hypothesis best suited to

open the way to the next better one.”

Konrad Lorenz

Coloeus monedula,
Western Jackdaw

jack, from late fourteenth-century England, refers

to one of lower class, and daw, comes from an
old English name of the bird.

mechanism, a process by which a stimulus

evokes a response when the connection
between the two is inborn, to explain
instinctive behaviors. To prove this
hypothesis, they studied the behavior of
A couple of his influences were German birds and co-authored a paper on the rolling behavior
ornithologist Oskar Heinroth and American of Greylag Geese, Anser anser. At the sight of a single
biologist Charles Whitman, who studied birds egg outside of the nest, die Greylag Goose will roll
without any preconception of what they were the egg back to the others with its beak. If the egg
supposed to do or be. Heinroth and Whitman is removed, the animal continues to engage in
influenced Lorenz’s ideas on instinct as it applied egg-rolling behavior, pulling its head back as
to avian social behavior. He captured a Western if there were still an egg there.
Jackdaw, Coloeus monedula, tamed it, noted its Although a controversial figure, Lorenz
behavior, and eventually established a colony of received many significant awards in ornithology
the birds in the family home. His first and several honorary doctorates.
published scientific paper (1927) described
the social behavior of jackdaws.
Considered the father of ethology,
Lorenz wrote numerous books on the
subject. Working with Nikolaas Tinbergen, he
developed the idea of an innate releasing

Anser anser,
Greylag Goose

The Greylag Goose is the ancestor of all domestic geese,

including the white ones for the dinner table.

155
 o
O AT ESI

Sasia ochracea,
White-browed Piculet

O a t e s i OATS-eye
After Eugene Oates, British civil servant in India, as in Hydromis
oatesi, the Rusty-naped Pitta

Oberholseri ob-ber-HOLT-ser-eye
After Harry Oberholser, American ornithologist, as in
Empidonax oberholseri, the American Dusky Flycatcher

Obscurus, -a ob-SKUR-us/a
Obscure, as in Dendragapus obscurus, the Dusky Grouse;
obscure refers to the dull color

Obsoletus, -a ob-so -L E E -tus/ta

Plain, ordinary, as in Salpinctes obsoletus, the Rock Wren

Obtusa ob-TOO-sa
Obtusus, dull, blunt, as in Vidua obtusa, the Broad-tailed Oceilata, "lini, ~U S o-sel-LA T-a/um /us
Paradise Whydah Ocellus, eye, and -ata, having, as in Meleagris oceilata, the Ocellated
Turkey, with eyespots on the tail
Occidentalis ok-si-den-TAL-is
Occidere, to fall, as the sun in the west, hence western, Ochotensis o-ko-TEN-sh
as in Larus occidentalis, the Western Gull Greek, refers to the Sea of Okhotsk, as in Locustella ochotensis,
Middendorff s Grasshopper Warbler, which has an Asian
Occipitalis ok-si-pi-TAL-is distribution
Occiput, back of the head, as in Dendrocitta occipitalis,
the Sumatran Treepie, with a white nape Ochracea o-KRACE-ee-a
Ochra, pale yellow, as in Sasia ochracea, the White-browed Piculet
Occulta ok-K U L-ta
Occultus, hidden, concealed, as in Pterodroma occulta, the Vanuatu Ochraceiceps o-krace-ee-EYE-seps
Petrel; the species name reflects that little is known about this bird Ochra, pale yellow, and ceps, headed, as in Hylophilus ochraceiceps,
the Tawny-crowned Greenlet
Oceanica, -us o-see-AN -ih-ka/kus
Oceanus, ocean, as in Ducula oceanica, the Micronesian Ochraceifrons o-krace-ee-EYE-fronz
Imperial Pigeon, which lives on islands of the Pacific Ochra, pale yellow, andfrons, forehead, as in Grallaricula
ochraceifrons, the Ochre-fronted Antpitta
Oceanicus, -a o-see-AN -ih-kus/ka
Greek, oceanic, as in Oceanites oceanicus, Wilsons Storm Petrel Ochraceiventris ok-ra-see-eye-VEN-tris
Ochra, pale yellow, and ventris, belly, as in Leptotila ochraceiventris,
Oceanites o-see-an-EYE-teez the Ochre-bellied Dove
Greek, god of the sea, as in Oceanites gracilis, Elliots Storm Petrel
Ochraceus, -a ok-RA CE-ee-us/a
Oceanodroma o-see-an-o-DROM -a Pale yellow, as in Contopus ochraceus, the Ochraceous Pewee
Oceanus, ocean, and dromos, running, as in Oceanodromafurcata,
the Forked-tail Storm Petrel, which “runs” on the oceans surface Ochrocephala ok-ra-se-FAL-a
Ochra, pale yellow, and cephala, head, as in Amazona ochrocephala,
the Yellow-crowned Amazon

156
 () i D J-: M i A

Ochrogaster ok-kro-G AS-ter Odontospiza o-don-to-SPY-za

Ochra, pale yellow, and Greek,gaster, stomach, as in Penelope Greek, odontos, tooth, and spiza, finch, as in Odontospizagriseicapilla,
ochrogaster, the Chestnut-bellied Guan the Gray-headed Silverbill, which has a very toothlike bill

Ochrolaemus o-kro-LEE-m us Oena o-EE-na

Ochra, pale yellow, and Greek, laemus, throat, as in Automolus Greek, oinas, meaning pigeon, referring to the color of nearly ripened
ochrolaemus, the Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner grapes, as in Oena capensis, the Namaqua Dove, from the Nama
people of southern Africa
Ochthoeca ak-TH O -ee-ka
Greek, okhthos, mound, and oikos, home, as in Ochthoeca Oenanthe o-ee-NAN-thee
(now Silvicultrix)frontalis, the Crowned Chat-Tyrant, which forages Greek, oine, vine, and anthus, blossom, as in Oenanthe monticola,
from mounds of moss and dead bamboo the Mountain Wheatear, so called because of its spring appearance
(after migration) at the time when wine vines blossom
Ochthornis ak-TH O R -nis
Greek, okhthos, mound, and omis, bird, as in Ochthornis littoralis, Oglei O-gul-eye
the Drab Water Tyrant, which often sits upon exposed roots or piles After M. J. Ogle, British surveyor and collector, as in
of debris along riverbanks Stachyris oglei, the Snowy-throated Babbler

Ocreatus, -ta o-kree-AH -tus/ta Oidemia oy-DEE-mee-a

Ocrea, leg covering, as in Ocreatus underwoodii, the Booted Greek, swelling, as in Oidemia (now Melanitta) nigra,
Racket-tail the Common Scoter, with a swollen bill

Ocularis a-koo-LAR-is
Oculus, eye, of the eye, as in Ploceus ocularis, the Spectacled Weaver Ocreatus underwoodii,
Booted Racket-tail
Oculocincta o-koo-io-siNK-u
Oculus, eye, and cinctus, girdle, crown as in Oculocincta squamifrons,
the Pygmy White-eye

Ocyalus o-see-AL-us
Greek, Ocale, one of the mythical Amazons, as in Ocyalus
latirostris, the Band-tailed Oropendola

Ocyceros o-see-SER-os
Greek, oxy, sharp, and keros, horn, as in Ocyceros hirostris,
the Indian Gray Hornbill

Ocyphaps O-see-faps
Greek, oxy, sharp, andphaps, dove, as in Ocyphaps lophotes,
the Crested Pigeon

Odontophorus o-don-toe-FOR-us
Greek, odontos, tooth, andphoreus, bearer, as in Odontophorus
melanotis, the Black-eared Wood Quail, with serrated maxilla

Odontorchilus o-don-tor-K IL-us

Greek, odontos, tooth, and cheilos, lip as on a pitcher, as in
Odontorchilus cinereus, the Tooth-billed Wren
O L EA G 1N EU S

Oleagineus o-lee-a-JIN-ee-us
O f the olive, as in Mionectes oleagineus, the Ochre-bellied Flycatcher

Olivacea, -11111, -U S o-liv-AC E-see-a/um /us

Olive-green colored, as in Spinus olivacea, the Olivaceous Siskin

Olivii o-LlV-ee-eye
After Edmund Olive, Australian naturalist and collector, as in
Turnix olivii, the Buff-breasted Buttonquail

Olor O -lor
Swan, as in Cygnus olor, the Mute Swan

Olrogi OL-rog-eye
After Claes Olrog, Swedish ornithologist, as in Cinclodes olrogi,
Olrog’s Cinclodes Oreomanes fraseri,
Giant Conebill
Omissa o -M is-sa
Missing, omitted, as in Foudia omissa, the Forest Fody, which is
sometimes considered as part of another species and thus overlooked Oporornis o-por-OR-nis
Greek, opora, autumn, and ornis, bird, as in Oporornis
Oncostoma on-ko-STO M -a agilis, the Connecticut Warbler
Greek, onco, mass, body size, and stoma, mouth, as in
Oncostoma olivaceum, the Southern Bentbill Orches ticus or-K ES-ti-kus
Orchestra, a place for dancers to perform, and icas, belonging to
Onychognathus on-ee-kog-NA-thus (i. e. dancer), as in Orchesticus abeiliei, the Brown Tanager; though
Greek, onycho-, claw, nail, andgnathos, jaw, as in Onychognathus rarely observed, its courtship display may explain the name
neumanni, Neumanns Starling, with a heavy curved bill
Oreocharis or-ee-o-KAR-is
Onychoprion on-ee-ko-PRY-on Oros, mountain, and Greek, charis, graciousness, gratitude, beauty,
Greek, onux, claw, nail, and prion, saw, as in Onychoprion lunatus, as in Oreocharis arfaki, the Tit Berrypecker, an attractive bird that
the Spectacled Tern; the bird’s middle claw has small serrations typically live in mountain forest above 2,200 meters

Onychorhynchus on-ee-ko-RINK-us Oreoica or-ee-O-ik-a

Greek, onux, claw, nail, and Latin, rhynchus, bill, as in Oros, mountain, and -ica, belonging to, as in Oreoicagutturalis,
Onychorhynchus coronatus, the Amazonian Royal Flycatcher, the Crested Bellbird, which lives in mountain habitats
with a hooked bill
Oreomanes or-ee-o-M AN-eez
Ophrysia o-FRIS-ee-a Oros, mountain, and manes, spirit, as in Oreomanes
Greek, ophrys, eyebrow, as in Ophrysia superciliosa, the likely extinct fraseri, the Giant Conebill; the birds spirit is in the
Himalayan Quail, with a white supercilium (eyebrow) mountains (the Andes)

Opisthocomus o-pis-tho-KO-mus Oreomystis or-ee-o-M IS-tis

Greek, opistho, behind, backward, and comus, hair, as in Opisthocomus Oros, mountain, and mysticus, mystic, as in Oreomystis bairdi, the Akikiki,
hoazin, the Hoatzin, whose head is topped by a spiky crest which lives only in die highest rainforest habitats of Kauai, Hawaii

Opisthoprora 0-pis-th o-PRO-ra Oreonympha or-ee-o-NIM -fa

Greek, opistho, behind, backward, and prora, prow, as in Oros, mountain, and nympha, nymph, goddess of the mountains,
Opisthoprora euryptera, the Mountain Avocetbill, with an as in Oreonympha nobilis, the Bearded Mountaineer
unusual bill for a hummingbird

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 OROAHTUS

Oreophasis or-ee-o-FAY-sis
Greek, oros, mountain, and Latin,phasianus, pheasant, LATIN IN A C T I O N
as in Oreophasis derbianus, the Horned Guan, which lives
in mountain habitats
The only member of its genus, the Mountain Quail
Oreophilus or-ee-o-FIL-us (Oreortyx pictus) lives mainly in the mountains of the
western US. P/'ctus,from the Latin, is an adjective
Greek, oros, mountain and philos, love, loving, as in Buteo
oreophilus, the Mountain Buzzard meaning painted or embroidered, and one look at
this bird and you will know why.The gray of the
Oreophylax or-ee-o-FYE-laks chest, nape, and top of the head contrasts with the
Greek, oros, mountain, andphylax, guard, protect, as in rusty-red and white belly and flanks.The long
Oreophylax (now Asthenes) moreirae, the Itatiaia Spinetail; feathers of its crest remind one of an exclamation
Itatiaia is a Brazilian municipality point.Typically found at elevations of 2,3000 to 990
Oreopsittacus or-ee-op-SIT-ti-kus
feet (700 to 300 meters), they will migrate
altitudinally to avoid snow-covered ground in the
Greek, oros, mountain, and Latin,psittacus, parrot, as in Oreopsittacus
winter and move as far as 20 miles (32 kilometers)
arfaki, the Plum-faced Lorikeet, which lives in mountain habitats
between seasons to remain in suitable habitat.
Oreornis or-ee- OR-nis
Greek, oros, mountain, and ornis, bird, as in Oreornis chrysogenys,
the Orange-cheeked Honeyeater, which lives in mountain habitats
Orientalis or-ee-en-TAL-is
Oreortyx or-ee-OR-tiks O f the east, as in Merops orientalis, the Green Bee-eater
Greek, oros, mountain, and Latin ortyx, quail, as in Oreortyx
pictus, the Mountain Quail (see box) Oriolus, -lia or-ee-O-lus/lee-a
Aureolus, gold, golden, as in Oriolusflavocinctus,
Oreoscoptes or-ee-o-SCOP-teez the Green Oriole
Greek, oros, mountain, and scoptes, mimic, as in Oreoscoptes
montanus, the Sage Thrasher, or the Mountain Mockingbird Ornata, -tus or-N A -ta/tus
Ornate, as in Urocissa omata, the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie
Oreoscopus or-ee-o-SKO-pus
Greek, oros, mountain, and scopos, watcher, as in Oreoscopus Ornithion or-N ITH -ee-on
gutturalis, the Fernwren Greek, ornis, bird, and Latin, -ion, being, as in Ornithion
inerme, the White-lored Tyrannulet
Oreothraupis or-ee-o-THRAW -pis
Greek, oros, mountain, and thraupis, a small bird, as in Oroaetus or-o -EE-tus
Oreothraupis arremonops, the Tanager Finch Greek, oros, mountain, and aetos, eagle, as in Oroaetus
(now Spizaetus) isidori, the Black-and-chestnut Eagle

Oreortyx pictus,
Mountain Quail

159
ORTALIS

Ortalis ot-talas Ortyxelos or- tiks-EL-os

Greek, chicken, as in Ortalis vetula, the Plain Chachalaca, Greek, ortux, quail, and elos, low ground, as in Ortyxelos meiffrenii,
an onomatopoetic name for the call the Quail-plover

Orthogonys or-tho-G O N -is Oryzivorus, -c l or-riz-ih-VO R-us/a

Greek, orthos, straight, 2nd genys, jaw, as in Orthogonys Oryza, rice, and vorus, eat, swallow, as in Dolichonyx oryzivorus, the
chlorichterus, the Olive-green Tanager Bobolink; refers to the birds liking for (cultivated) rice and other grains

Orthonyx or-THON-iks Ossifragus os-n-FRAY-gus

Greek, orthos, straight, and onux, claw, as in Orthonyx novaeguineae, Ossis, bone, andfrangere, break, as in Corvus ossifragus, the Fish Crow.
the Papuan Logrunner Its diet includes fish, the bones of which it breaks whilst eating

Orthopsittaca or-thop-SIT-tak-a Ostralegus os-tra-LEG-us

Greek, orthos, straight, and Latin,psittaca, parrot, as in Orthopsittaca Greek, ostreon, oyster, and lego, gather, as in Haematopus
manilatus, the Red-bellied Macaw ostralegus, the Eurasian Oystercatcher

Orthorhyncus or-tho-R iN K Otidiphaps o-n-di-faps

Greek, orthos, straight, and rhynchos, bill, as in Orthorhyncus cristatus, Greek, otis, bustard, and phaps, wild pigeon, as in Otidiphaps
the Antillean Crested Hummingbird, with a straight bill, indicative nobilis, the Pheasant Pigeon
of generalist hummingbirds
Otis o-tis
Orthotomus or-tho-TO E-m us Greek, otis, bustard, as in Otis tarda, the Great Bustard
Greek, orthos, straight, and tomus, piece, section, as in Orthotomus
sutorius, the Common Tailorbird, which pierces the edges of a leaf, O t U S O-tus
rolls it over and sews the edges together to form the base for a nest Little horned owl, as in Otus asio, the Eastern Screech Owl

Ortygospiza or-ti-go-SPY-za Oustaleti oo-sta-LET-eye

Greek, ortux, quail, and spiza, finch, as in Ortygospiza atricollis, After Emile Oustalet, French zoologist, as in Cinnyris oustaleti,
the Quailfinch Oustalet s Sunbird

Oxylabes aks-ih-LAY-beez
Greek, oxus, sharp, and Latin, labe, slip, slide, as in Oxylabes
madagascariensis, the White-throated Oxylabes, with a sharp bill

Oxypogon aks-ee-PO-gon
Greek, oxus, sharp, 2n d,pogon, beard, as in Oxypogonguerinii,
the Bearded Helmetcrest

Oxyruncus aks-ee-RUN-kus
Greek, oxus, sharp, and Latin, rhynchus, bill, as in Oxyruncus cristatus,
the Sharpbill

Oxyura, -us aks-ee-O O-ra/rus

Greek, oxus, sharp, and oura, tail, as in Oxyurajamaicensis,
the Ruddy Duck, a member of the stiff-tailed duck family

Oxylabes madagascariensis,
White-throated Oxylabes

160
 O tus
T
his genus is known as the scops owls due Otus gurney/,
to a confusing taxonomic dispute in the Giant Scops Owl
eighteenth century when Scops was used
as the genus name. The most recently Contrary to popular belief, owls can see
discovered species, the Serendib Scops perfectly well in the daytime.
Owl (0. thilohoffmanni), was found After locating their prey with their two
in Sri Lanka in 2006. outstanding senses, they fly almost noiselessly
Latin for eared owl,= the over the landscape to capture it, thanks to
genus name Otus probably was a their special feather structure. The edges
reference to the feather tufts that of their flight feathers are frayed, with a
resemble ears. Otus has 63 species, soft, downy covering to the feathers, so
including Scops-Owls and Screech when the owls fly, the feathers emit only low
Owls. Most are small, have cryptic plumage frequency sounds that their prey, like a mouse,
with spots or streaks, and conspicuous ear tufts. cannot detect.
These tufts have no hearing function but their position Owls have zygodactyl feet, two toes facing
may indicate the mood of a bird or serve to break up forward and two back, but they can reverse one toe
the outline of the owl as it sits motionless in a tree. so that they have three forward and one back. This
Owls have incredibly good hearing and can precisely may be an adaptation to make perching and catching
locate prey because their external fleshy ears are prey easier. Owls eat invertibrates, small mammals,
different in shape from each other and positioned birds, and reptiles, which are swallowed whole or in
asymmetrically, thus enabling owls to triangulate the big chunks. The food makes its way down to the mus­
source of the sound because the sound waves are cular part of the stomach, the gizzard, where it is
altered as they enter the ear. ground. The digestible portion
Owls’ large ears are continues down the digestive
matched by their large eyes and tract but the undigestible
keen eyesight. A large owl’s eyes parts—bones, feathers, fur—
are as big as a human’s. The eyes are compacted into an “owl
are tubular and fixed in their pellet” and regurgitated.
skull by a ring of bony plates, Otus owls are found
but the birds can turn their everywhere on earth except
heads 270 degrees and have Antarctica and Australia and
excellent stereoscopic vision. are most common in Asia.
They have a large number of
light sensitive cells in their
retina, and can theoretically see Otus silvicola and Otus alfredi,
by the light of a match held 0.6 Wallaces's Scops Owl and
miles (1 kilometer) away. Flores Scops Owl

161
 Common Names
A
scientific name clearly designates a particular name such as the Green-headed Oriole, Oriolus
bird species, tells you something about the chlorocephalus, and Chen caerulescens, the Snow or
bird’s relationship to other bird species, and usually Blue Goose. But the opposite is also true; Ploceus
provides a decent description of the bird. Common melanogaster, meaning black-bellied weaver, has the
names are less useful for the former, because they vary common name of Black-billed Weaver; and Myrme-
so much from country to country, but apt for the ciza melanoceps, the White-shouldered Antbird,
latter. The obvious advantage common names have is whose scientific name means Black-headed Antbird.
their much easier pronunciation and spelling. And for Sometimes the common name includes part of the
English names, at least, the International Ornitholo­ scientific name such as Oxylabes madagascariensis,
gists’ Union has recommended English common the White-throated Oxylabes, and Rhabdornis
names and set standards for spelling and construction. mysticalis, the Stripe-headed Rhabdornis.
There are still many problems with common names Some common names have been changed for
due to their long history and local variations. clarification or simplification: the Celebes Bearded
There are common names like the Zitting Bee-eater, Meropogonforsteni, has been shortened to
Cisticola, Cisticolajuncidis, Plain Chachalaca, Ortalis the Celebes Bee-eater; the Lance-billed Monklet has
vetula, Kea, Nestor notabilis, or the Phainopepla, become the Lanceolated Monklet, Micromonacha
Phainopepla nitens, that tell you nothing about the lanceolata; and Mayr’s Streaked Honeyeater is now
bird. There are birds named after people, like Abert’s simply Mayr’s Honeyeater, Ptiloprom mayri.
Towhee, Melozone aberti, or Salvin’s Chuckwill, Some common names come from the bird’s calls,
Antrostomus salvini, and those names aren’t much such as the Plain Chachalaca, Kea, and New Zealand
more useful, although there has been a trend toward Kaka, Nestor meridionalis; these are onomatopoeic
eliminating the personal name from the common words as they phonetically imitate the call. Common
name; hence Oenanthe names also come from the local language, such as
phillipsi, Phillip’s Wheatear, Western Capercaillie, Tetrao urogallus, from the
became the Somali Wheat- Scottish Gaelic; the Akohekohe,
ear, Salvin’s Chuckwill is now the Palmeria dolei-, and Tui,
Tawny-colored Nightjar, and Meyer’s Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae,
Sicklebill, Epimachus meyeri, got from the Maori.
renamed the Brown Sicklebill. Odd things happen as well.
Helpfully, there are many common names Some common names mislead
that closely reflect the scientific the reader; for example, you
might think a Western Meadowlark,
Sturnella neglecta, is a lark, when it is
Meropogon forsteni, actually a blackbird. The Red-bellied
Purple-bearded Bee-eater
Woodpecker, Melanerpes carolinus,
A typical bee-eater, the Celebes or Purple-bearded Bee-eater has a not very obvious pinkish wash
is very colorful and captures large insect prey in flight on its belly and the neck ring of the
 COMMON NAMES

and Feral Pigeon. The Redbird became the

Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis; the
Sea-swallow was renamed the Common Tern, Sterna
hirundo; and in the US the Linnet became the House
Finch, Haemorhous mexicanus. The Goldcrest,
Regulus regulus, was once known as the Woodcock
Pilot as it arrived in the spring at the same time as
the Eurasian Woodcock, Scolopax rusticola. It was
believed that Goldcrests were too small to migrate
on their own and so arrived tucked into the
feathers of the Woodcock.
Although both common and scientific naming
Ortalis vetula, are dynamic processes, there are standards for both.
Plain Chachalaca And it is certainly nice to be able to speak of the
Like many birds with odd common names, the Coppersmith Barbet instead of the tongue-twisting
Plain Chachalaca gets its name from its call. Megalaima haemacephala'.
Buteo solitarius,
Hawaiian Hawk
Ring-necked Duck, Aythya collaris,
is almost impossible to see in the field. Dove Like most hawks, the endangered Hawaiian Hawk lives
and pigeon are used pretty interchangeably, and hunts alone except during the breeding season.
the difference being that the former is of Anglo-
Saxon origin and the latter French. Same for the
Germanic-derived name heron and the French-
derived egret appellation.
There are lots of regional and country differences.
Loons, as they are known in America, are referred to
as divers in Europe. And while Americans call Buteo
species hawks, the British call them buzzards. There are
also spelling differences like grey vs. gray and colour vs.
color; the International Ornithologists’ Union
standards lean toward using the British spelling.
Common names, like the scientific names, keep
evolving. The European Robin, Erithacus rubecula,
was originally called Redbreast, then Robin
Redbreast, Ruddock, Robinet, and sometimes the
English Robin. The familiar Rock Dove, Columbia
livia has been called the Rock Pigeon, Carrier
Pigeon, Common Pigeon, Homing Pigeon,
163
PACHYCARE

P
Pachycare pak-ib-KAR-ee
Greek,pakhus, thick, and care, head, as in Pachycarejlavogriseum,
the Goldenface, a member of the Pachycephalidae family, once
known as “thickheads” because of their dumpy bodies and large heads

Pachycephala, -cephalopsis pak-ih-se-

FAL-a/pak-ih-se-fal-O P-sis
Greek,pakhus, thick, and Latin, cephala, head, as in Pachycephala
olivacea, the Olive Whisder, with a large head

Pachycoccyx pak-ih-KOK-siks
Greek,pakhus, thick, and coccyx, cuckoo, as in Pachycoccyx audeberti,
the Thick-billed Cuckoo Palmeria dolei,
Akohekohe
Pachyptila pak-ip-riL-a
Greek,pakhus, thick, andptilon, feather, as in Pachyptila desolata, Pagodroma pa-go-DROME-a
the Antarctic Prion, common name from Greekprioni, saw, Greek,pagos, cold, and dromos, running, as in Pagodroma nivea,
referring to the serrated beak the Snow Petrel

Pachyramphus pak-ih-R A M -fus Pagophila pa-go-FiL-a

Greek,pakhus, thick, and Latin, rhamphus, beak, as in Pachyramphus Greek, pagos, cold, andphilos, loving, as in Pagophila ebumea,
viridis, the Green-backed Becard, from French becarde, beak the Ivory Gull, which lives in the high Arctic

Pachyrhyncha pak-ih-R W K -a Pallasii pal-LASS-ee-eye

Greek,pakhus, thick, and Latin, rhynchus, beak, as in Rhynchopsitta After Peter Pallas, German zoologist, as in Cincius pallasii,
pachyrhyncha, the Thick-billed Parrot Pallas’s or the Brown Dipper

Pacifica, "US pa-SIF-ik-a/us Palliseri PAL-li-ser-eye

O f the Pacific Ocean, as in Gavia pacifica, the Pacific Loon or Diver After Edward and F. H. Palliser, collectors in Sri Lanka, as in
Elaphromispalliseri, Palliser s or the Sri Lanka Bush Warbler
Padda p a d -da
Refers to paddy fields of rice, as in Padda (now Lonchura) Palmeria p ai-M A iR -ee-a
oryzivora, the Java Sparrow After Henry Palmer, collector on Hawaii, as in Palmeria dolei,
the Akohekohe

Pandion PAN-ee-on
After a King of Athens whose daughters were turned into birds,
as in Pandion haliaetus, the Western Osprey

Panurus pan-O O -rus

Panu, all, and oura, tail, as in Panurus biarmicus, the Bearded
Reedling, with its small body and long tail

Cincius pallasii,
Pallas's or Brown Dipper

164
 P E ALII

Parabuteo par-a-BO O-tee-o

L A T I N I N A C T I O N
Greek,para, like or near, and buteo, hawk, as in Parabuteo
unicinctus, Harris’s Hawk. Audubon named this bird after his
friend Edward Harris
F rom M iddle English poucock, th e peacock, native

Paradigalla par-a-di- G AL-la

to s o u th e a st Asia, is know n w orldw ide. Pavo
cristatus de sc rib e s th e c re ste d peacock, officially
Greek,para, like or near, and Latin,gallus, chicken, as in
Paradigalla brevicauda, the Short-tailed Paradigalla know n as th e Indian Peafow l. T h e fan-shaped c re s t
on th e head is im pressive and distinctive, b u t th e
Paradisaea par-a-D EES-ee-a irid e sc en t blue body and th e sp ectacu lar train of
Greek, paradeisos, a park or garden, as in Paradisaea minor, tail fea th e rs th a t sp read s in to a giant fan of
the Lesser Bird-of-paradise iridescen ce w ith ey e sp o ts seem to beg fo r d e sc rip ­
tion. A n in terestin g m yth still given c re d e n c e to d ay
Paradoxornis par-a-doks-O R-nis in India is th a t th e fem ale peahen fertilizes h e r eggs
Greek, paradoxos, strange, amazing and omis, bird, as in by drinking th e te a rs o f th e m ale peacock.
Paradoxornisguttaticollis, the Spot-breasted Parrotbill

Pardalotus par-da-LO -tus

Greek, pardalotos, spotted, as in Pardalotus punctatus,
the Spotted Pardalote Parus PA-rus
Parus, titmouse, as in Parus major, the Great Tit; tit perhaps
Parkeri PAR-ker-eye from Norse tita, small bird
After Theodore Parker, American ornithologist, as in Cercomacra
parkeri, Parkers Antbird Passer PAS-ser
Sparrow, as in Passer domesticus, the House Sparrow
Parotia par-OT-ee-a
Greek,parotis, the parotid gland, as in Parotia sefilata, the Western Passerculus pas-ser-COO -lus
Parotia,parotia probably referring to head plumes behind the ear Diminutive ofpasser, sparrow, as in Passerculus sandwichensis,
the Savannah Sparrow
Parula pa-Roo-u
Diminutive ofparus, titmouse or little tit, as in Parula (now Passerella pas-ser-EL-la
Setophaga) americana, the Northern Parula Diminutive ofpasser, sparrow, as in Passerella iliaca,
the Fox Sparrow

Passerherbulus pas-ser-her-B 0 O-lus

Passer, sparrow, and herbulus, little herb, as in Passerherbulus
Paradoxornis guttaticollis, (now Ammodramus) caudacutus, Saltmarsh Sparrow
Spot-breasted Parrotbill
Passerina pas-ser-ee-na
Diminutive ofpasser, sparrow, as in Passerina caerulea,
the Blue Grosbeak

Pavo p a -VO
Peacock, as in Pavo cristatus, the Indian or Blue Peacock (see box)

Pealii PEEL-ee-eye
After Titian Peale, an American naturalist and artist, as in
Erythrurapealii, the Fiji Parrotfinch

165
 Pa s s e r

T
rue sparrows belong to the genus Passer Passer domesticus,
(PAS-ser), Latin for sparrow. There are about House Sparrow
27 species in the genus, most of which are distributed
in the warmer climates of southern Eurasia and
Africa. They are mainly ground-dwelling seedeaters in the soil and spreading
but will take insects when raising young. Since the their wings out. Bathing
genus name means sparrow, it is up to the specific is followed by intensive preening
name to describe the bird, but that does not always that not only helps to rid the
work. The scientific name P. flaveolus, meaning feathers of parasites, but supports the social unit.
golden, doesn’t aptly describe the Plain-backed After bathing, the birds often gather to roost or sing.
Sparrow any better than the common name. Fully 17 of 27 species of Passer sparrows nest
P. italiae, the Italian Sparrow, at least provides a in or on human-made structures. Certainly the most
locale, and P. rutilans, meaning reddish, auburn, widespread, abundant, and well-known of all
works well for the Russet Sparrow. sparrows is P. domesticus, the House Sparrow,
Because the Passer sparrows are seedeaters, they completely adapted to human habitation. Once
have special adaptations in their jaws, hard palate, known as the English Sparrow, the House Sparrow
and tongue that help them manipulate and open has been introduced and has spread around the
seeds. The sparrows hold large seeds transversely and world. Its success over the last century has led to its
crack them open against the hard palate. being considered a pest. Introduced into New York
Sparrows enjoy bathing by standing in water in 1852, they now are found from northern Canada
puddles and ducking their heads under water. to Panama. During World War I in England, Sparrow
They also dust bathe by scratching out a depression Clubs were created to rid the countryside of House
Sparrows, and in the 1960s Mao Tse-tung declared
a war on House and Eurasian Tree Sparrows
(.P- montanus) and had millions killed, which is
reputed to have led to severe famine a few years
later as insects decimated the crops.
House Sparrows may still be deemed a pest by
some, but because they are abundant and easy to keep
in captivity, they have been used in over 5,000
scientific studies. An increase in pesticide use may be
the cause of the huge decline in this species in Europe.

Passer ammodendri,
Saxaul Sparrow

The Saxaul Sparrow, native to central Asia, is one of the larger

Passer sparrows, Its head markings make it very distinctive.

166
 PETROCHELIDON

Pectoralis pek-to-RA-lis Perisoreus pe-ri-SOR-ee-us

Pectoro-, breast, chest, as in Euphonia pectoralis, Unclear derivation but may refer to bird’s habit of storing food,
the Chestnut-bellied Euphonia as in Perisoreus infaustus, the Siberian Jay

Pedionomus ped-ee-o-NO -m us Perissocephalus

Greek, pedion, plain, field, and nomos, a home, as in Pedionomus pe-ris-so-se-FAL-us
torquatus, the Plains-wanderer Greek,perissos, strange, excessive, and Latin, cephala, head,
as in Perissocephalus tricolor, the Capuchinbird, which resembles
Pelagodroma pel -a-go-DRO-ma a monk with its bald face and collar of feather
Greek,pelagos, sea, and dromos, runner, as in Pelagodroma marina,
the White-faced Storm Petrel, for its habit of pattering its feet Pernis per-hIs
on the sea surface Greek, corruption ofpternis, bird of prey, as in Pemis
ptilorhynchus, the Crested Honey Buzzard
Pelecanoides pel-eh-kan-0 Y-deez
Greek,pelekan, pelican, and oides, resembles, as in Pelecanoides Peronii per- 0 W N-ee-eye
urinatrix, the Common Diving Petrel, which resembles a pelican After Francois Peron, French explorer and naturalist, as in
Geokichlaperonii, the Orange-sided Thrush
Pelecanus pel-eh-K AN -us
Greek,pelekan, pelican, as in Pelecanus conspicillatus, Personata, -us per-son-AH -ta/tus
the Australian Pelican Persona, masked, as in Coracina personata, the Wallacean
Cuckooshrike
Pelzelnii p el-Z E L -nee-eye
After August von Pelzeln, Austrian ornithologist, as in Petiti P E-ti-tye
Tachybaptuspelzelnii, the Madagascar Grebe After Louis Petit, French naturalist, as in Campephagapetiti,
Petits Cuckooshrike
Penelope pen-EL-o-pee
Greek, Penelopeia, feminine name, as in Penelope albipennis, Petrochelidon pe-tro-K EL-ih-don
the White-winged Guan Petra, rock, and Greek, chelidon, swallow, as in Petrochelidon
nigricans, the Tree Martin, which nests in tree cavities
Penicillatus pen-ib-sil-LA -tus and rock crevices
Penicullus, brush, as in Phalacrocoraxpenicillatus, Brandt s
Cormorant; the breeding male has tufts of feathers on its head
Pelecanus conspicillatus,
Pennula p en -N oo-u Australian Pelican
Diminutive ofpenna, wing, as in Pennula (now
Porzana) sandwichensis, the extinct Hawaiian Rail,
a small-winged flightless bird

Perdicula per-di-K O O -la

Perdix, a partridge, and cula, little, as in Perdicula
erythrorhyncha, the Painted Bush Quail

Perdix PER-diks
Perdix, a partridge, as in Perdix perdix,
the Gray Partridge

Pericrocotus per-ih-kro-K O -tus

Greek, peri, around, and crocotus, golden-yellow,
as in Pericrocotus roseus, the Rosy Minivet

167
PETROICA

Petroica pe-TRO -ee-ka

Petra, rock, and -icus, belonging to, as in Petroica australis, LATI N IN A C T I O N
the New Zealand Robin, which uses rocks as hunting perches

Petronia pe-TRO -nee-a The scientific name Phainoptila melanoxantha,

meaning shining-feather black-yellow (bird), aptly
Greek, petronius, of a rock, as in Petronia (now Gymnoris)
superciliaris, the Yellow-throated Petronia, which was describes the Black-and-yellow Phainoptila,
mistakenly thought to be a rock dweller a resident of the cloud forests of Costa Rica and
part of Panama. It is one of three genera of silky
Peucedramus poy-se-D RA-m us flycatchers in the Ptiliogonatidae family.The term
Greek, peuke, pine, and dromos, runner, as in Peucedramus taeniatus, flycatcher referes to aerial insect-eating behavior,
the Olive Warbler, which feeds around pine trees but in fact it is not related to the Muscicapidae
(flycatcher) orTyrannidae (tyrant) families of
Phacellodomus/a-w-/»- do-mus flycatchers.The bird’s diet consists almost
Greek,phakelos, package, and domos, house, as in exclusively of fruits; insect-catching is a rare event.
Phacellodomus ruber, the Greater Thornbird, which
constructs a complex nest of twigs

Phaenicophaeus fa-ni-KO-fa-us
Greek, phoiniko, crimson, and phaeinos, shining, as in Phaenicophaeus Phaethomis fay-eh-T H O R -nis
(now Zanclostomus)javanicus, the Red-billed Malkoha See Phaethon, above, and Greek, omis, bird, as in Phaethomis ruber,
the Reddish Hermit
Phaeochroa/rc-o-.oo-,*
Greek,phaeo, dusky, and chroa, color, as in Phaeochroa cuvierii, Phainopepla fa y-no-PEP-LA
the Scaly-breasted Hummingbird Greek, phaeinos, shining, and peplos, robe or cloak, as in Phainopepla
nitens, the Phainopepla, named for its silky plumage
Phaeornis / « - o j ? -« «
Greek, phaeo, brown, dark, dusky, and omis, bird, as in Phaeornis Phainoptila fay-nop-T IL -a
(now Myadestes) obscurus, the Omao Greek, phaeinos, shining, and ptilon, feather, as in Phainoptila
melanoxantha, the Black-and-yellow Phainoptila (see box)
Phaethon FAY-eh-thon
In Greek mythology Phaethon was the son of Helios, the sun, Phalacrocorax fou-kro-KOR-aks
as in Phaethon lepturus, the White-tailed Tropicbird Greek,phalakros, bald, and corns, raven, as in Phalacrocorax
brasilianus, the Neotropic Cormorant

Phalaenoptilus f d -ee-nop-TIL-us
Greek, phalaina, moth, and ptilon, feather, as in Phalaenoptilus
nuttallii, the Common Poorwill, with soft grayish-brownish plumage

Phalaropus f*i-a-RO-pus
Greek, phalaris, coot, andpous, foot, as in Phalaropus tricolor,
Wilsons Phalarope, with partial webbing on its feet, as seen in coots

Phalcoboenus/a/-*» -b a y -nus
Greek,phalkon, falcon, and baino, walking, as in Phalcoboenus
australis, the Striated Caracara, often seen walking on the ground

Phaps FAPS
Greek,phaps, dove or pigeon, as in Phaps chalcoptera,
the Common Bronzewing

168
 PH Y T OT OM A

Pharomachrus fa - ro-M AK -rus Y

Greek, pharos, cloak, and macros, long, large, as in Pharomachrus
auriceps, the Golden-headed Quetzal

Phasianus -see-AN-us
Fromphasiana, a reference to the River Phasis (now Rioni, Georgia),
where the Common Pheasant, Phasianus colchicus, was once common

Pheucticus F oiK -n-km

Greek, pheuktikos, shy or timid, as in Pheucticus chrysogaster,
the Southern Yellow Grosbeak

Philacte j u -a k -tee
Greek,philos, like or love, and akte, shore, as in Philacte (now Chen)
canagica, the Emperor Goose
Philepitta castanea,
Philepitta f d - e h - m - t a Velvet Asity
Greek, philos, love, and pitta, from the Telugu (an Indian language)
word meaning small bird, as in Philepitta castanea, the Velvet Asity
Phoen icoparrus f oy -ni-ko-PAR-rus
Philetairus fd-eh-T A R E -us Greek, phoinikos, red, and Latin parra, ominous bird,
Greek, philos, love, and hetairos, companion, as in Philetairus socius, as in Phoenicoparrus andinus, the Andean Flamingo
the Sociable Weaver
Phoenicopterus for ni-KOP-ter-us
Phillipsi FIL-lips-eye Greek, phoinikos, red, and pteron, wing, as in Phoenicopterus roseus,
After E. Lort Phillips, British big game hunter, as in Oenanthe the Greater Flamingo, whose common name derives from the
phillipsi, the Somali Wheatear Latinflamma, flame

Philomachus a i -o-m a k -us Phoenicurus -ni-K O O -rus

Greek, philos, like or love, and makhe, fight, batde, as in Philomachus Greek, phoinikos, red, and oura, tail, as in Phoenicurusfrontalis,
pugnax, the RufF, named for its aggressive behavior during lekking the Blue-fronted Redstart

Phleocryptes flee-o-K RIP -teez Phrygilus f n - j n -US

Greek, phleos, an aquatic plant, and cryptus, hidden, as in Phleocryptes Greek,phrugilos, a bird, and -icus, belonging to, as in Phrygilus atriceps,
melanops, the Wren-like Rushbird the Black-hooded Sierra Finch. From Aristophanes, who called anyone
from Phyriga (part of modern Turkey) aphrygilus, or finch
Phloeoceastes flo -ee-o-see-steez
Greek,phloios, tree bark, and keazo, split, cleave, as in Phloeoceastes Phyllastrephus fu-u-sTR E F -us
(now Campephilus) robustus, the Robust Woodpecker, a bark splitter Greek,phylion, leaf, and strepho, twist, as in Phyllastrephus terrestris,
the Terrestrial Brownbul, which lives in dense, dry thickets of
Phodilus fo -D IL -us savannah or acacia
Greek,phos, light, and deilos, afraid, fear, as in Phodilusprigoginei,
the Congo Bay Owl Phylloscopus fd-io-sKOPE-us
Greek, phy lion, leaf, and skopeo, seek, as in Phylloscopus borealis,
Phoeniconaias fo y -ni-KO-nye-as the Arctic Warbler, which spends much time feeding in the leafy
Greek,phoinikos, red, and naias, water nymph, as in Phoeniconaias canopies of trees
minor, the Lesser Flamingo
Phytotoma fy-to-ro -ma
Greek, phuton, plant, and tomos, a cut-off piece, as in Phytotoma
rutila, the White-tipped Plantcutter

169
 P h o en ic o pter u s

T
h e R e d Q u e e n in Alice Phoenicopterus roseus,
in Wonderland u se d Greater Flamingo
fla m in g o s as c ro q u e t m alle ts,
p re s u m a b ly b e ca u se o f th e ir lo n g
n e c k s — lo n g e r th a n a n y o th e r T h e n a m e s o f th e b ird s are
b ird re la tiv e to b o d y siz e — a n d p r e tty s tra ig h tfo rw a rd . P. roseus
th e ir u p s id e -d o w n m a lle t-s h a p e d (L a tin , ro s e -c o lo re d ) is th e
h e a d s w ith larg e b ills. T h e re are G re a te r F la m in g o ; P. ruber
th re e g e n e ra o f fla m in g o s: T h re e (L a tin , re d ) is th e A m e ric a n
sp ecies o f Phoenicopterus F la m in g o ; P. chilensis is th e
(re d -fe a th e re d ), o n e sp e c ie s o f C h ile a n F la m in g o ; P. minor is
Phoeniconaias (re d n a ia d ), a n d th e L esse r F la m in g o ; a n d
tw o sp e c ie s o f Pboenicoparms (re d w a te r b ird ). P. andinus is th e A n d e a n F la m in g o . P.jamesi,
T h e w o rd fla m in g o d e riv e s fro m th e S p a n ish Ja m e s’s F la m in g o , w as n a m e d a fte r B ritis h ty c o o n
flamenco, m e a n in g fla m e -c o lo re d . H a rry B e rk le y Ja m es, w h o s p o n s o re d a n e x p e d itio n
T ire fla m in g o ’s b ill allo w s it to fe e d lik e b a le e n th a t d isc o v e re d th e b ird in B o liv ia in 1 8 8 6 .
w h a le s; in b o th a n im a ls th e in n e r p a r t o f th e jaw is F la m in g o s b u ild a v o lc a n o -s h a p e d n e s t a n d
c o v e re d w ith n u m e ro u s lam e llae a n d th e to n g u e , u su a lly lay o n e egg o n th e to p . T h e g ra y -p lu m a g e d
m o v in g o v e r th e s e la m e lla e lik e a p is to n , filte rs o u t c h ic k is b o r n w ith a s tra ig h t re d b ill th a t d e v elo p s
m ic ro o rg a n is m s fro m th e w a ter. th e a d u lt c u rv e late r. F ilte r fe e d in g b y th e a d u lts
T h ese m ic ro o rg a n is m s , a n im a l a n d

f
p o se s a p ro b le m fo r fe e d in g th e y o u n g , b u t a sp e c ia l
p la n t p la n k to n , c o n ta in c a ro ti- J f'- a d a p ta tio n solves th e p ro b le m . T h e c ro p , a n
n o id s, p r o te in p ig m e n ts th a t give e x p a n d e d p a r t o f th e e so p h a g u s, p ro d u c e s a
th e b ird s th e ir c o lo r. B e ca u se th e p ro te in -ric h s e c re tio n th a t b o th th e m a le a n d
c o n c e n tra tio n o f th e s e p ig m e n ts in fe m a le fe e d to th e y o u n g . It is c a lle d fla m in g o
th e ir fo o d so u rc e s vary, th e c o lo r o f m ilk a n d is sim ila r to p ig e o n m ilk .
fla m in g o p o p u la tio n s a n d in d iv id u a ls
v arie s fro m w h itis h to re d .
T h e six sp ecies o f fla m in g o are f o u n d
p rim a rily in th e s o u th e rn h e m is p h e re , b u t also
in S p a in , th e C a rib b e a n , a n d c o a sts fro m A ra b ia
e ast to In d ia . T h e y a re v e ry so c ial b ird s, o fte n fo u n d
Phoeniconaias minor,
in flo ck s n u m b e rin g th o u s a n d s o f b ird s. A t tim e s Lesser Flamingo
K e n y a ’s L ak e N a k u ru h a s o v e r a m illio n b ird s.
T h e w a rm a lk a lin e lak e p ro v id e s th e b ird s a b u n d a n t The three flamingo species are very
similar in structure and habits and are
algae, w h ic h its e lf is d e p e n d e n t o n th e d ro p p in g s only differentiated by minor differences
o f th e b ird s fo r n u trie n ts . in their feeding mechanism.

170
 P L AT A L E A

Pica, -U S P IK E -a/us Piranga pi-RANG-gn

Latin for magpie, as in Pica pica, the Eurasian Magpie A Brazilian municipality, as in Piranga rubra, the Summer Tanager

Picoides pi-KOY-deez Pitangus pi-tang-us

Picus, woodpecker, and eidos, shape, likeness, as in Picoides arcticus, Tupi (native Brazilian),pitangua, meaning large flycatcher, as in
the Black-backed Woodpecker Pitangus sulphuratus, the Great Kiskadee or Kiskadee Flycatcher

PkuluS pi-K O O -lus Pithecophaga pith-eh-ko-FA Y-ga

Picus, woodpecker, and -ulus, diminutive, little, as in Piculus litae, Greek,pithekos, ape, and phagein, to eat, as in Pithecophagajejferyi,
the Lita Woodpecker the Philippine or Monkey-eating Eagle

Picumnus pik-K U M -nus Pitohui pit-o-H O O -ee

In Roman mythology, Picumnus was a god of fertility, as in “Pitohui” is the sound made after a human tastes and immediately
Picumnus exilis, the Golden-spangled Piculet rejects the poisonous bird, as in Pitohui dichrous, the Hooded Pitohui

Pileata, “ LIS pil-ee-A H -ta/tus Pitta P IT-ta

Pileatus, capped, as in Pipritespileata, the Black-capped Piprites East Indian word for a small bird, as in Pitta sordida,
the Hooded Pitta
Pinaroloxias pin-a-ro-LO KS-ee-as
Greek,pinaros, dirty, and loxos, slanting, as in Pinaroloxias Pittasoma pit-ta-SO -m a
inornata, the Cocos Finch Pitta, East Indian word for a small bird, and Greek, soma, body,
as in Pittasoma rufopileatum, the Rufous-crowned Antpitta
Pinarornis pin-a-R O R-nis
Greek,pinaros, dirty, and omis, bird, as in Pinarornis plumosus, the Pityriasis pit-ih-R YE-a-sis
Boulder Chat, presumably because of its dirty, blackish color Greek,pituron, warts on the head, as in Pityriasisgymnocephala, the
Bornean Bristlehead {Pityriasis is a flaking of the skin in humans)
Pinguinus p in -c w iN -u s
Welsh,pen, head, zn&gwyn, white, as in Pinguinus impennis, Platalea p U t-A L -ee-a
the extinct Great Auk, named for its similarity to penguins Greek, platy, flat, as in Platalea minor, the Black-faced Spoonbill

Pinicola pin-ih-K O -la

Pinus, pine, and cola, inhabitant, as in Pinicola enucleator,
the Pine Grosbeak

Pipilo p ip -ii-o
Pipo, to chirp, as in Pipilo (now Melozone)fusca, the Canyon Towhee

Pipra p i p -ra
Greek,pipra, bird, as in Dixiphiapipra, the White-crowned Manakin

Pipreola pip-ree-O-la
Greek,pipra, bird, and -ola, diminutive, as in Pipreolaformosa,
the Handsome Fruiteater

Piprites pip-R IT E -eez

Greek,pipra, bird, and -ites, belonging, as in Piprites chloris,
the Wing-barred Piprites

171
P L AT HN I

LATI N IN A C T I O N
Platyrinchus pUt-ih-RiNK-us
Platys, flat, and rhynchus, bill, as in Platyrinchus coronatus,
the Golden-crowned Spadebill
Podargus ocellatus, the “ lazy-footed bird with
eyespots,” is the Marbled Frogmouth.The order
Plautus PLAW-tus
Plautus, flat-footed, as in Plautus (now Alle) alle, the Little Auk or
Caprimulgiformes to which this bird belongs Dovekie, a bird that is clumsy on land
alludes to the idea that with their big mouths the
birds of this order could suckle on goats’ teats, Plectrophenax plek - tro -FEN-aks
hence the old name “goatsucker.” Frogmouths are Gztt\a,plectron, spur or cock’s spur, andphenax, imposter,
found across southeast Asia to Australia. Although as in Plectrophenax nivalis, the Snow Bunting, with a long claw
they appear to have small beaks, their mouths are on the hind toe
huge, so they not only devour insects, but small
lizards, mice, birds, and snakes.Their feet are weak Plecttopterus plek-TROP-ter-us
so the birds lie horizontally across a branch during Gzzekyplectron, spur or cocks spur, andpteron, wing, as in
Plectropterusgambensis, the Spur-winged Goose, with a spur
the day, hidden by their cryptic plumage.They lay
on each wing, used for attacking other water birds
their eggs in a tree branch, nestless.
Plectorhyncha piek-to-RiNK-a
Greek,plectron, spur or cocks spur, and rhynchos, bill, as in Plectorhyncha
lanceolata, the Striped Honeyeater, with a fine pointed bill

Plegadis ple-G A-dis

GzttVyplegas, scythe, sickle, as in Plegadisfalcinellus, the Glossy Ibis,
with a sickle-shaped bill

Pleskei PLES-kee-eye
After Theodor Pleske, Russian zoologist and geographer, as in
Locustellapleskei, Styan’s or Pleske’s Grasshopper Warbler

Plocepasser p i o-see-PAS-ser
Greek, plokeus, weaver, and passer, sparrow, as in Plocepasser
superciliosus, the Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver

Ploceus PLO-see-us
Greek,plokeus, weaver, as in Ploceus luteolus, the Litde Weaver

Plateni PLAT-en-eye Plumbeus, -a PLU M -bee-us/a

After Carl Platen, a German doctor and collector, as in Leaden, the color of lead, as in Myioparus plumbeus,
Dasycrotapha plateni, the Mindanao Pygmy Babbler the Gray Tit-Flycatcher

Platycercus plat-ih-SIR -kus Pluvialis, -THUS ploo-vee-AL-is/ploo-vee-AN-us

Gzzek,platy, flat, and cercus, tail, as in Platycercus adscitus, Pluvia, rain, as in Pluvialis squatarola, the Gray Plover; plover
the Pale-headed Rosella from Old French plovier, meaning rainbird, as migratory flocks
arrived at the rainy season
Platypsaris pUt-ip-sAR-u
Gzcck, platy, flat, andpsar, starling, as in Platypsaris Podargus po-D AR-gus
(now Pachyramphus) aglaiae, the Rose-throated Becard Greek,pous, foot, and argos, lazy, slow, as in Podargus ocellatus,
the Marbled Frogmouth, named for its large froglike gape (see box)

172
 PO RZ ANA

Podica po-di-ka Pomatorhinus po-m a-to-R YE-nus

Greek,pous, foot, and -icus, belonging to, as in Podica senegalensis, Greek,poma, a cover, and rhinos, nose, as in Pomatorhinusgravivox,
the African Finfoot, with lobed toes to aid propulsion through water the Black-streaked Scimitar Babbler, scimitar from the long
downcurved bill
Podiceps PO-di-seps
Podex, buttocks, vent, and pes, foot, as in Podiceps major, Pooecetes poo-eh-SEE-teez
the Great Grebe; refers to the feet being located under Greek ,poe, grass, and oiketes, inhabitant, as in Pooecetesgramineus,
the birds “vent” (rear end) the Vesper Sparrow

Podilymbus po-di-LIM -bus Porphyrio por-FEER-ee-o

Podex, buttocks, vent, and colymbus, swimming pool or bath, as in Water hen, as in Porphyrio porphyrio, the Purple Swamphen
Podilymbus podiceps, the Pied-billed Grebe, pied referring to its white
bill with a black spot Porphyrolaema por-feer-o-LEE-m a
Greek,porphyros, purple, and laimos, throat, as in Porphyrolaema
Poephila po-eh-FIL-a porphyrolaema, the Purple-throated Cotinga, cotinga from
Greek,poa, grass, and philos, love, as in Poephila personata, Brazilian Tupi language
the Masked Finch
Porphyrospiza por-feer-o-SPY-za
Pogoniulus po-gon-ee-OO-lus Greek,porphyros, purple, and spiza, finch, as in Porphyrospiza
Greek,pogon, beard, and -ulus, diminutive, as in Pogoniulus simplex, caerulescens, the Blue Finch
the Green Tinkerbird, so-called because of its “tink-tink-tink” call.
Litde beard refers to the heavy facial bristles characteristic of the Portoricensis por-tor-ih-SEN-sis
family, although not this particular bird After Puerto Rico, as in Spindalisportoricensis, the Puerto Rican
Spindalis. Common name apparently a misspelling and combination
Polihierax po-lee-HY-er-aks of other words
Greek,polios, gray, and hierax, hawk, as in Polihierax insignis,
the White-rumped Falcon Porzana por-zAN-a
Italian,porzana, the name of the bird in Italy, as in Porzana porzana,
Poliocephala, -us po-lee-o-se-FAL-a/us the Spotted Crake, common name from Old Norse kraka,
Greek,polios, gray, and Latin, cephala, head, as in Chloephaga after the call
poliocephala, the Ashy-headed Goose

Polioptila po-lee-op-TIL-a
Greek, polios, gray, and ptilon, feather, as in Polioptila dumicola,
the Masked Gnatcatcher

Polyborus pol-ee-BOR-us
Greek,poly, many and boros, devouring, as in Polyborus (now
Caracard) cheriway, the Northern Crested Caracara, which eats a
wide variety of live and dead foods

Polyplectron pol-ee-PLEK-tron
Greek,poly, many andplektron, spur or cocks spur, as in Polyplectron
chalcurum, the Bronze-tailed Peacock-Pheasant; the male bird has
two spurs on its leg

Polysticta pol-ee-STIK -ta

Greek,poly, many and stiktos, dotted, dappled, as in
Polysticta stelleri, Steller s Eider; although the bird has
few spots, they are large and obvious

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P RE M N O P LEX

Premnoplex prem -N O -pleks Progne PROG-nee

Greek, premnon, tree trunk, and plexus, knitting, interweaving, Latin for Procne in Greek mythology, daughter of Pandion who was
as in Premnoplex tatei, the White-throated Barbtail, which weaves turned into a swallow, as in Progne elegans, the Southern Martin
its nest around a bough
Promerops PRo-mer-op
Pretrei PRET-tre-eye Pro, for, and merops, bee-eater, as in Promerops cafer,
After Jean Pretre, French artist and illustrator, as in Amazona pretrei, the Cape Sugarbird
the Red-spectacled Amazon
Prosthemadera pros-them e-a-D ER-a
Prigoginei p ri -go -JEEN - ey e Greek, prosthema, an addition, and dera, neck or throat, as in
After Alexandre Prigogine, Russian/Belgian naturalist, as in Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae, the Tui, with a tuft of white
Cinnyrisprigoginei, the Prigogine s Double-collared Sunbird feathers on its neck

Princeps PRiN-seps Protonotaria pro-to-no- TAR-ee-a

First, chief, first to take, as in Accipiter princeps, the Protos, first, and notarius, scribe, as in Protonotaria citrea, the
New Britain Goshawk Prothonotary Warbler. High-ranking notaries, prothonotaries,
of the Byzantine Empire wore yellow robes, the color of the bird
Pl'inia PRIN-ee-a
Javanese,prinya, as in Priniapolychroa, the Brown Prinia Prunella proo-N E L-la
Corruption of bruneus, brown, as in Prunella collaris, the Alpine
Prionochilus pry-on-o-K IL-us Accentor, with a basic brown color. Accentor comes from ad, with,
Greek,prion, sawlike, and kheilos, a rim, edge, as in Prionochilus and cantor, sing
maculatus, the Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker, which has a beak
with a serrated edge Przewalskii she-VAL-skee-eye
After Nikolai Mikhaylovich Przhevalsky, Russian Cossack naturalist,
Prionops PRY-o-nops as in Paradoxomisprzewalskii, Przevalski s Nuthatch
Greek, prion, sawlike, and opsis, appearance, as in Prionops plumatus,
the White-crested Helmetshrike; refers to the fringed fleshy wattles Psalidoprocne sal-ih-doe-PROK-nee
around the eyes Greek,psalis, a knife or shears, and Procne from Greek mythology,
daughter of Pandion who was turned into a swallow, as in
Probosciger pro-B OS-si-ger Psalidoprocne nitens, the Square-tailed Saw-wing
Proboscis, nose, snout andger, bear, carry, as in Probosciger aterrimus,
the Palm Cockatoo

Procellaria pro-sel-LAR-ee-a
Procella, storm, and -arius, referring to, as in Procellaria parkinsoni,
the Black Petrel, a bird associated with storms

Procelsterna pro-sel-STER-na
Procella, storm, and sterna, tern, as in Procelsterna albivitta,
the Gray Noddy; terns are often associated with storms

Procnias PROC-nee-as
Procne in Greek mythology, daughter of Pandion who was turned
into a swallow, as in Procnias nudicollis, the Bare-throated Bcllbird

P r o d o t i S C U S pro-doe-TlSS-kus
Prodo, disclose, and -iscus, diminutive, as in Prodotiscus regulus, the
Brown-backed Honeybird, which discloses the source of honey

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 PTUONORHYNC HUS

Psalcriparus sal-tri-PAR-us
Psaltria, female lute player, as in Psaltriparus minimus,
American Bushtit, with a high-pitched call

Psarisomus sar-ih-SO -m us
Greek,psaros, speckled, and soma, body, as in Psarisomus dalhousiae,
the Long-tailed Broadbill

Psarocolius sar-o-KOL-ee-us
Greek, psar, starling, and kolios, a kind of woodpecker, as in
Psarocolius viridis, the Green Oropendola

Pseudocalyptomena soo-doe-kal-ip-toe-M EN-a

Pseudo, false, Greek, calypto, hidden, and mena, moon, as in Pseudocalyptomena graueri,
Pseudocalyptomenagraueri, Grauers Broadbill, considered by the namer Grauer's Broadbill
to resemble a species belonging to the genus Calyptomena only slightly

Pseudochelidon soo-doe-KEL-ih-don Pterocles TER-o-kieez

Pseudo, false, and chelidon, swallow, as in Pseudochelidon Greek,pteron, wings, as in Pterocles coronatus,
eurystomina, the African River Martin the Crowned Sandgrouse

Pseudodacnis soo-soe-DAK-nis Pterodroma ter-o-DROM-a

Pseudo, false, and dacnis, unknown Egyptian bird, such as Greek, pteron, wing, and dromos, runner, as in Pterodroma
Pseudodacnis (now Dacnis) hartlaubi, the Turquoise Dacnis inexpectata, the Mottled Petrel

Pseudonestor soo-doe-NES-tor Pterogiossus ter-o-GLOS'Sus

Pseudo, false, and nestor, referring to some New Zealand parrots, Greek, pteron, wing, and glossa, tongue, as in Pterogiossus viridis,
as in Pseudonestor xanthophrys, the Maui Parrotbill the Green Aracari, which has a long, fringed tongue; Aracari from
the Brazilian Tupi language
Psittacula sit-ta-KO O -la
Psittacus, a parrot, and -ula, diminutive, as in Psittacula krameri, Pteropodocys ter-o-po-DOE-sh
the Rose-ringed or Ring-necked Parakeet Greek,pteron, wing, andpous, foot, as in Pteropodocys (now Coracina)
maxima, the Ground Cuckooshrike, supposedly nearly as fast on the
Psittacus SIT-ta-kus ground as it is in the air
Psittacus, a parrot, as in Psittacus erithacus, the Gray Parrot
Pteroptochos ter-op-TOE-kos
Psittirostra sit-n -R o s s -tr a Greek,pteron, wing, andptokhos, begging, as in Pteroptochos
Psittacus, parrot, and rostrum, beak, as in Psittirostra psittacea, castaneus, the Chestnut-throated Huet-huet, named after the call
the extinct Ou
Ptilinopus tU-in-o-pus
Psophia so-FEE-a Greek, ptilon, feather, and pous, foot, as in Ptilinopus cinctus,
Greek,psophos, noise, as in Psophia viridis, the Dark-winged Trumpeter the Banded Fruit Dove, with feather-covered tarsus

Psophodes so-FO-deez Ptiliogonys h h - o- g o n - u

Greek,psophodes, noisy, as in Psophodes nigrogularis, the Western Greek,ptilon, feather, zndgonys, knee, as in Ptiliogonys cinereus,
Whipbird; referring to its active, lively, continual singing the Gray Silky-flycatcher, with feather-covered knees

Pteridophora ter-ih-do-F O R -a Ptilonorhynchus h i - o-no-RIN K-us

Greek,pteridon, a fern, andphoreo, to bear, as in Pteridophora alberti, die Greek,ptilon, feather, and Latin, rhynchus, beak, as in Ptilonorhynchus
King of Saxony Bird-of-paradise, with two long feathers on its head violaceus, the Satin Bowerbird, whose bill is pardy covered by feathers

175
PTI 1. OP R O R A

Ptiloprora ui-o-PRo-ra
Greek, ptilon, feather, and prora, front, prow, as in Ptiloprora
erythropleura, the Rufous-sided Honeyeater

Ptiloris tu-oR-is
Greek,ptilon, wing, and oris, mouth, as in Ptiloris magnificus,
the Magnificent Riflebird; the underside and top of the beak is
partially feathered

Ptychoramphus ti-ko-R A M -fus

Greek,ptyx, folded, and ramphos, beak, as in Ptychoramphus aleutica,
Cassins Auklet; the bill looks as if it has been compressed and folded

Pucherani poo-cher-AN-eye
After Jacques Pucheran, French zoologist, as in Melanerpes pucherani,
the Black-cheeked Woodpecker

Pucrasia poo-KRAS-ee-a
Nepalese,pukras, as in Pucrasia macrolopha, the Koklass Pheasant;
both genus and common name derive from its call
Pycnoptilus pik-nop-TIL-us
Puffinus p uf-F IN E -us Greek,pychnos, strong, thick, andptiolon, feather, as in Pycnoptilus
Middle English, poffin, for the carcasses of Manx Shearwaters floccosus, the Pilotbird, a plump bird, implying thick plumage
(used as food), as in Puffinus gravis, the Great Shearwater
Pygoscelis pi-gos-SEL-is
Pulchella, -us pui-KEL-ia/ius Greek,puge, the rump, and skelos, leg, as in Pygoscelispapua,
Beautiful little, as in Lacedopulchella, the Banded Kingfisher the Gentoo Penguin; refers to the thick tail that brushes the
ground as if it were a third leg
Pulcher P U L-ker
Beautiful, as in Lamprotomispulcher, the Chestnut-bellied Starling Pyriglena py-n-GLEN-a
Greek, pyr, fire, andglene, eyeball, as in Pyriglena atra,
Pulcherrima, -U S pul-kcr-R E E -m a/m us the Fringe-backed Fire-eye
Pulcherrimus, very beautiful, as in Megalaimapulcherrima,
the Golden-naped Barbet Pyrocephalus pye-ro-se-FAL-us
Greek,pyr, fire, and Latin, cephala, head, as in Pyrocephalus rubinus,
Pulchra PU L-kra the Vermilion Flycatcher
Pulcher, beautiful, as inMacgregoriapulchra, MacGregors Honeyeater
Pyrrhula pir-R oo-u
Punctatus, -a, -tim punk-TA T -us/a/um Greek, pyrrhos, fire-colored, as in Pyrrhula pyrrhula, the Eurasian
Punctum, dot, spot, as in Falco punctatus, the Mauritius Kestrel, with Bullfinch, for the red plumage of the male
heavily spotted plumage
V y n h u l o x i Z pir-roo-LOKS-ee-a
Pusilla, -lus poo-SIL-la/lus Greek,pyrrhos, fire-colored, and loxos, slanting, crosswise, as in
Pusillis, very small, as in Emberizapusilla, the Little Bunting Pyrrhuloxia (now Cardinalis) sinuatus, the Pyrrhuloxia. Its reddish
color and compact, heavy curved bill accounts for the name
Pycnonotus pik-no-No-tus
Greek, pychnos, strong, thick, and notos, back, as in Pycnonotus Pyrrhura pir-Roo-™
nigricans, the African Red-eyed Bulbul Greek,pyrrhos, fire-colored, as in Pyrrhurafrontalis,
the Maroon-bellied Parakeet

176
 QU OYI

Q
Quadragintus kwa-dra-JIN -tus
L A T I N I N A C T I O N

The Four-banded (quadricinctus) Sandgrouse

inhabits the central region of Africa, from east to
Forty, as in Pardalotus quadragintus, the Forty-spotted Pardalote
west, in open, savanna-like habitats. The male is
Quadribrachys kwa-dri-BRAK-is larger and more colorful, but both sexes are
Quadri-, four, and brachium, arm, as in Alcedo quadribrachys, cryptically colored to blend into the background.
the Shining-blue Kingfisher; actually means four toes The bands on the chest and abdomen of the
strongly marked male camouflage the bird as they
Quadricinctus kw a-dri-siN K -tus break up its outline; this is called “disruptive
Quadri-, four, and cinctus, surround, encircle, as in Pterocles coloration,” and is often found on ground-dwelling
quadricinctus, the Four-banded Sandgrouse (see box) birds. The male has specially constructed feathers
Quadricolor kwa-dri-KO -lor
(unique to species of sandgrouse) on its belly that
absorb water so that it can carry water to his
Quadri-, four, and color, color in appearance, as in Dicaeum
quadricolor, the Cebu Flowerpecker chicks from distant waterholes.

After an African native name, as in Quelea quelea,

the Red-billed Quelea

Querquedula kwer-kweh -DO O-la

Kind of duck that makes a sound like querquedula, as in
Anas querquedula, the Garganey, which derives from the Latin
gargala, tracheal artery

Quinticolor kw in-ti-K O -lor

Quint-, five, and color, visible color, as in Capito quinticolor,
the Five-colored Barbet

Quiscalus, -a kw is-K A L-us/a

Quis, who, and qualis, of what kind, as in Quiscalus quiscula,
the Common Grackle

Quitensis kwin-TEN-sis
After Quito, Ecuador, as in Grallaria quitensis,
the Tawny Antpitta

Q u O y i K W O Y-eye
After Jean Quoy, French naturalist, as in Cracticus quoyi,
the Black Butcherbird

Capito quinticolor,
Five-colored Barbet

177
 A lexander F. S k utch
( 1904- 2004)

B
orn near Baltimore, Maryland, in 1904, A lifelong vegetarian, Skutch grew corn, yucca, and
Alexander Skutch began developing his passion other crops, and, without running water until the
for nature when his family moved to a farm in the 1990s, bathed and drank from the nearest stream.
country. He went on to study botany, receiving a He believed in “treading lightly on the mother Earth,”
doctorate degree from John Hopkins University in and his longevity demonstrates that he thrived on
1928. After graduation he sailed from New York to this simple lifestyle. He married Pamela Lankester,
Panama to study banana diseases, but quickly became daughter of the English naturalist Sir Charles
fascinated by the birds of the New World Tropics, as Lankester, in 1950, and with their adopted son
they nested all over his primitive field station. Edwin, stayed at Finca Los Cusingos for the rest of
While Skutch pursued his botanical work in his life, although his pristine forest became an island
Honduras, Guatemala, and Costa Rica, his interest in the middle of banana and coffee plantations.
in ornithology continued to grow. He financed He was a prolific naturalist/writer, publishing
his bird-watching studies by collecting over 40 books, mostly about birds but also
tropical plants for museums in America on environmental philosophy. In 1983 he
and Europe, spending several seasons produced Birds of Tropical America, and with
in the forests and mountains of Gary Stiles he wrote The Birds of Costa Rica
Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa (1989), one of the first field guides to a tropical
Rica. He found a perfect bird study country. He chronicled his life in detail in
location in a remote forested books like The Imperative Call (1993), about
valley near San Isidro del General his early adventures in Maryland, Jamaica,
in Costa Rica. In 1941 he
bought 178 acres of land and Trogon collaris,
built a house there, naming it Finca Collared Trogon
Los Cusingos after the local name for
the Fiery-billed Aracari, Pteroglossus The Collared Trogon was one of the spectacular birds
that convinced Skutch to abandon his study of
frantzii, a relative of the toucan. bananas and concentrate on birds.

"For a large and growing number of people, birds are the strongest bond

with the living world of nature.They charm us with lovely plumage and melodious songs;

our quest of them takes us to the fairest places; to find them and uncover

some of their well-guarded secrets we exert ourselves greatly and live intensely.”

— Alexander F. Skutch (from “The Appreciative Mind,” the epilogue to

A Bird W atcher’s Adventures in Tropical America)
 ALE X ANDER F. SK U T C H

and Guatemala, and A Naturalist in Chamaepetes unicolor,

Costa Rica (1971), perhaps his most- Black Guan
read book. Other subjects included his
views on evolution (Life Ascending, 1985), Visitors to the Alexander Skutch Los Cusingos Bird
Sanctuary, situated on a property purchased by
and on religion (The Quest of the him in 1941, might see a Black Guan.
Divine, 1956). His last book,
Harmony and Conflict in the even banding or ringing birds was wrong,
Living World (2000), advocating a he recognized individual birds on his
more peaceful co-existence with estate by small differences in their
wildlife, was influenced by changes plumage and behavior. Skutch thought
he witnessed around his forest home that the minds of birds were revealed
as industrial farming developed. in the way they lived, behaviors that
In addition to his many books, Skutch showed them to be “not unfeeling automata,
made innumerable contributions to journals and but sensitive creatures aware of what they do.”
magazines, publishing nearly 200 papers. Roger Tory His important discovery of “cooperative
Peterson believed that Skutch’s detailed life histories breeding” in Brown Jays, Psilorhinus morio, led to a
of Central American birds did for neotropical birds lifelong interest in the ways birds help one another,
what Audubon’s paintings did for the birds of especially in parenting and nest-building. He showed
North America. a clear preference for birds that got along with other
He disliked statistics, preferring close observation birds, occasionally shooting at hawks when they
and interpretation for his bird studies. Believing that threatened his preferred species. In 1987 he
published Helpers at Birds’Nests: A Worldwide
Survey of Cooperative Breeding and Related Behavior.
The Pamela and Alexander Skutch Research
Award for studies in avian natural history was
established in 1997 by the Association of Field
Ornithologists and funded by an endowment
from Skutch himself. In 2004, a few days before
he died at 99, Skutch received the Loye and
Alden Miller Research Award from the Cooper
Ornithological Society for lifetime achievement
in ornithological research.

Psilorhinus morio,
Brown jay

The Brown Jay o f Central America has two color phases:

In the north part of their range they are dark brown on
top and lighter underneath, while in the south the
population has a white belly.

179
RABORI

R
Rabori ra-BOR-eye
Ramphastos ram-FASS-tos
Greek, rhamphos, beak, and -astus, augmentative, as in
Ramphastos sulfuratus, the Keel-billed Toucan

Ramphocaenus ram -fo-SEE-nus

After Dioscoro Rabor, a Filipino ornithologist, as in Napothera (now Greek, rhamphos, beak, and caen-, new, fresh, as in
Robsonius) rabori, Cordillera Ground Warbler Ramphocaenus melanurus, the Long-billed Gnatwren

Radiceus ra-DIS-ee-us Ramphocelus ram -fo-SEL-us

Rayed or striped, as in Carpococcyx radiceus, the Bornean Ground Greek, rhamphos, beak, and kelas, spot, as in Ramphocelus
Cuckoo, with stripes on its underside nigrogularis, the Masked Crimson Tanager

Rafflesii RAF-fulz-ee-eye Ramphocinclus ram -fo-SINK -lus

After Thomas Raffles, Lieutenant Governor of Java, as in Dinopium Greek, rhamphos, beak, and cinclus, thrush, as in Ramphocinclus
rafflesii, the Olive-backed Woodpecker brachyurus, the White-breasted Thrasher

Raimondii rye-M O ND-ee-eye Ramphocoris mm-fo-KOR-is

After Antonio Raimondi, an Italian-born Peruvian geographer and Greek, rhamphos, beak, and corys, helmet, as in Ramphocoris
scientist, as in Sicalis raimondii, Raimondi s Yellow Finch clotbey, the Thick-billed Lark

Rallicula rd-U -K oo-u Ramphodon ram-FO-don

Rale, rail, and -cuius, diminutive, as in Rallicula rubra, Greek, rhamphos, beak, and odon, tooth, as in Ramphodon
the Chestnut Forest Rail naevius, the Saw-billed Hermit

Rallina rd -L E E N -a Ramphomicron ram-fo-M Y-kron

Rale, rail, and diminutive, -ina, as in Rallina rubra, Greek, rhamphos, beak, and mikron, small, as in Ramphomicron
the Chestnut Forest Crake dorsale, the Black-backed Thornbill

Rallus R A L -lus Ramphotrigon ram-fo-TRY-gon

Rale, rail, and diminutive, -ina, as in Rallina tricolor, Greek, rhamphos, beak, and trigon, triangle, as in Ramphotrigon
the Red-necked Crake megacephalum, the Large-headed Flatbill, with the typical triangular
bill of flycatchers

Ramsayi r a m -zee-eye
After Robert Ramsay, a British ornithologist, as in Actinodura
ramsayi, the Spectacled Barwing

Randi R A N D -eye
After Austen Rand, American ornithologist, as in Muscicapa
randi, the Ashy-breasted Flycatcher

Randia r a n d -ee-a
After Austen Rand, American ornithologist, as in Randia
pseudozosterops, Rands Warbler

Raphus RAY-fus
Raphus was the name assigned to bustards in 1760. Galenus,
a Roman physician, named the Dodo Raphus cucullatus,
referring to a bustard

180
 RETICULATA

Rara r a r -u
Rare, as in Phytotoma rara, the Rufous-tailed Plantcutter L A T I N I N A C T I O N

Rectirostris rek-a-Ross-tris Shorebird species have a variety of bill shapes and

Recti-, straight, and rostra, bill, as in Limnoctites rectirostris,
the Straight-billed Reedhaunter lengths so that they can exploit different food
sources in their shoreline habitat.The recurved bill
Recurvirostra, -is re-kur-vi-R O SS-tra/tris of the avocet is long and curves upward along its
Recurvus, bent back, and rostra, bill, as in Recurvirostra andina, distal half.To catch its insect and invertebrate
the Andean Avocet with an upcurved bill (see box) prey, the avocet sweeps its bill from side to side on
the surface of the water. Avocet may come from
Redivivum re-di-VEE-um the black and white outfits worn by European
Revived, as in Toxostoma redivivum, the California Thrasher. lawyers but the real etymology is unclear.
Name refers to the fact that the bird was described, then Tost”
and found again by another ornithologist

Reevei REEVE-eye Recurvirostra andina,

After J. P. Reeve, an American collector, as in Turdus reevei,
the Plumbeous-backed Thrush

Reevesii REEV-zee-eye
After John Reeves, English naturalist and collector, as in
Syrmaticus reevesii, Reeves’s Pheasant

Regalis re-G AL-is

Regal, king, as in Buteo regalis, the Ferruginous Hawk

Regia, "■ US RE-jee-a/us

Royal, as in Vidua regia, the Shaft-tailed Whydah, probably
because of the regal appearance of the male with a black crown
and very long tail feathers
Reinwardtii rine-VART-ee-eye
Regulorum re-goo-LOR-um After Caspar Reinwardt, Dutch ornithologist, as in
Royal, kingly, as in Balearica regulorum, the Gray Crowned Crane Apalharpactes reinwardtii, the Javan Trogon

R e g u l l I S , •" O id eS re-GOO-lus/re-goo-LOY-deez Reiseri RYE-zer-eye

Diminutive of rex, little king or prince, as in Regulus regulus, After Othmar Reiser, Australian collector, as in Phyllomyias
the Goldcrest reiseri. Reiser s Tyrannulet

Reichardi RYE-cart-eye Religiosa re-li-jee-OS-a

After Paul Reichard, German geographer and engineer, Religious, sacred, revered, as in Gracula religiosa, the Common Hill
as in Crithagra reichardi, Reichards Seedeater Myna, which helps to propagate the Banyan Tree, sacred to Hindus

Reichenbachii RIKE-en-bak-ee-eye Remiz R E -m iz

After Henrich Reichenbach, a German zoologist and botanist, Polish for tit, as in Remizpendulinus, the Eurasian Penduline Tit
as in Anabathmis reichenbachii, Reichenbach’s Sunbird
Reticulata re-ti-koo-LAT-a
Reichenowi RIK E-ken-oh-eye Reticulated, covered with ridges or grooves, as in Meliphaga
After Anton Reichenow, German ornithologist, as in Streptopelia reticulata, the Streak-breasted Honeyeater
reichenowi, the White-winged Collared Dove

181
RE X

Rex REKS
King, as in Balaeniceps rex, the Shoebill

Rhabdornis rab-D OR-nis

Greek, rhabdotos, striped, as in Rhabdornis mystacalis,
the Stripe-headed Rhabdornis

Rhagologus rag-o-LO-gus
Greek, rhago, grape, berry, and logos, picked, chosen, as in Rhagologus
leucostigma, the Motded Whistler, which eats berries Rhodinocichla rosea,
Rosy Thrush-Tanager
Rhampho mantis ram-fo -M A N -tis
Greek, rhamphos, bill, and mantis, soothsayer, as in Rhamphomantis
(now Chrysococcyx) megarhynchus, the Long-billed Cuckoo Rhinomyias rine-o-M Y-ee-as
Greek, rhinos, nose, and muia, fly, as in Rhinomyias insignis,
Rhea R EE -a the White-browed Jungle Flycatcher
After a mythological Greek figure Rhea, the daughter of the sky god
Uranus, as in Rhea americana, the Greater Rhea Rhinopomastus rine-o-po-M AS-tus
Greek, rhinos, nose, and pomos, cover, as in Rhinopomastus minor,
Rlieinardia rine-AR-dee-a the Abyssinian Scimitarbill
After Pierre-Paul Rheinhard, French Army officer, as in Rheinardia
ocellata, the Crested Argus Rhinoptilus rine-op-TIL-us
Greek, rhinos, nose, and ptilon, feather, as in Rhinoptilus africanus,
Rhinocrypta rme-o-KRip-u the Double-banded Courser
Greek, rhinos, nose, and crypta, hidden, as in Rhinocrypta lanceolata,
the Crested Gallito; the nostrils are hidden by a bill plate Rhipidura, -us rip-ih-D O O -ra/rus
Greek, rhipis, a fan, and oura, tail, as in Rhipidura nebulosa,
the Samoan Fantail

Rhinoptilus africanus, Rhizothera rise-o-TH ER-a

Greek, rhiza, root, and thera, hunting, pursuit, as in Rhizothera
longirostris, the Long-billed Partridge

Rhodacanthis ro-da -KAN -thiss

Greek, rhodon, rose, and akanthis, finch, goldfinch, as in
Rhodacanthisflaviceps, the extinct Lesser Koa Finch

Rhodinocichla ro-di-no-SIK-la
Greek, rhodon, rose, and cichla, thrush, as in Rhodinocichla rosea,
the Rosy Thrush-Tanager

Rhodonessa ro-doe-NES-sa
Greek, rhodon, rose, and nessa, duck, as in Rhodonessa caryophyllacea
the probably extinct Pink-headed Duck

Rhodopechys ro-doe-PEK-is
Greek, rhodon, rose, andpechys, forearm, as in Rhodopechys
sanguineus, the Eurasian Crimson-winged Finch

182
 RIPARIA

Rhodophoneus ro-doe-FONE-ee-us
Greek, rhodon, rose, andphoneus, a murderer, as in Rhodophoneus
(now Telophorus) cruentus, the Rosy-patched Bushshrike

Rhodospiza ro-doe-SPY-za
Greek, rhodon, rose, and spiza, finch, as in Rhodospiza obsoleta,
the Desert Finch, with pink patches on the wings

Rhodostethia ro-doe-STETH-ee-a
Greek, rhodon, rose, and stethos, breast, as in Rhodostethia rosea,
Ross’s Gull, with a rosy wash to the underparts, after British Rear
Admiral James Ross who discovered the Ross Sea and Ross Ice Shelf

Rhopocichla ro-po-siK-u
Greek, rhopo, bushes, brush, and cichla, thrush, as in Rhopocichla
atriceps, the Dark-fronted Babbler

Rhopophilus ro-po-FIL-us
Greek, rhopo, bushes, brush, andphilos, love, like, as in Rhopophilus
pekinensis, the Chinese Hill Warbler

Rhopornis ro-poR-nu
Greek, rhopo, bushes, brush, and omis, bird, as in Rhopornis
ardesiacus, the Slender Antbird

Rhyacornis ry-a-KO R-nis

Greek, rhya, stream, and omis, bird, as in Rhyacornis bicolor,
the Luzon Water Redstart
Richardi rich-ARD-eye
Rhynchophanes rin-ko-FAN-eez After Richard of Luneville, French naturalist and collector,
Greek, rhynchos, beak, andphaino, to appear, as in Rhynchophanes as in Anthus richardi, Richards Pipit
mccownii, McCown’s Longspur
Richardsii RICH-ards-ee-eye
Rhynchopsitta rin-kop-sir-u After George Richards, British Rear-Admiral and geographer,
Greek, rhynchos, beak, and psitta, parrot, as in Rhynchopsitta as in Ptilinopus richardsii, the Silver-capped Fruit Dove
pachyrhyncha, the Thick-billed Parrot
Ridgwayi r i j - way-eye
Rhynchortyx rin-KOR-nks After Robert Ridgway, American zoologist and curator,
Greek, rhynchos, beak, and ortyx, quail, as in Rhynchortyx cinctus, as in Antrostomus ridgwayi, the Buff-collared Nightjar
the Tawny-faced Quail
Ridibundus ri-di-BUN-dus
Rhynchotus rin-K O -tus Ridere, to laugh, as in Chroicocephalus ridibundus, the Black-headed
Greek, rhunkhos, beak, and otus, ear, as in Rhynchotus rufescens, Gull, after the bird’s call
the Red-winged Tinamou
Riparia ri-PAR-ee-a
Rhynochetos rine-o-KET-os Ripa, stream bank, as in Riparia cincta, the Banded Martin, which
Greek, rhinos, nose, and chetos, corn (referring to corn-shaped nests in sandbanks
flaps over the nostrils) as in Rhynochetosjubatus, the Kagu,
a local native name

183
RISORI A

Risoria ri-SOR-ee-a
Risor, one who mocks, as in Streptopelia risoria (now roseogrisea),
the Barbary or African Collared Dove, referring to the birds call

Rissa r i s -sa
From Islandic rita, kittiwake, as in Rissa tridactyla,
the Black-legged Kittiwake

Robertsi ROB-erts-eye
After J. Austin Roberts, South African zoologist, as in Oreophilais
robertsi, the Roberts’s or Briar Warbler

Robinsoni ro-bin-SO N-eye

After Herbert Robinson, British ornithologist and zoologist,
as in Myophonus robinsoni, the Malayan Whistling Thrush

Robusta, -U S ro-BUST-a/us
Robustus, of oak, hard, firm, as in Gracula robusta, the Nias Hill
Myna, a stocky bird

Roraimae, -ia ro-RIM E-ee/ee-a

After Mt. Roraima, Guyana and Venezuela, as in Megascops roraimae,
the Roraiman Screech Owl

Rosea, -ata, -tus rose-EE-a/rose-ee-AH-ta/tus

Roseus, rose-colored, as in Rhodostethia rosea, Ross’s Gull, with a pink
wash to the underparts

Roseicapilla rose-ee-eye-ka-PIL-la
Roseus, rose-colored, and capilla, hair, as in Ptilinopus roseicapilla,
the Mariana Fruit Dove

Roseicollis rose-ee-eye-KOL-lis
Roseus, rose-colored, and colli-, neck, as in Agapomis roseicollis,
the Rosy-faced Lovebird

Roseifrons rose-ee-EYE-fronz
Roseus, rose-colored, andjrons, forehead, as in Pyrrhura roseifrons,
the Rose-fronted Parakeet Rostrhamus ros-ter-H AM -us
Rostrum, beak, and hamus, hook, as in Rostrhamus sociabilis,
Roseigaster rose-ee-eye-GAS-ter the Snail Kite, with a hooked beak
Roseus, rose-colored, and gaster, belly, as in Priotelus roseigaster,
the Hispaniolan Trogon Rothschildi R O TH S-chiU -eye
After Lionel Walter Rothschild, founder of the Natural History
Rosenbergi r o -sen-berg-eye Museum, Tring, England, as in Leucopsar rothschildi, the Bali Myna
After Carl von Rosenberg, German naturalist and geographer,
as in Tyto rosenbergi, the Sulawesi Masked Owl Rubecula roo-be-KOO-la
Rubi, red, reddish, as in Erithacus rubecula, the European Robin

184
 RUFESCENS

Ruber ROO -ber

L A T I N I N A C T I O N
Rubi, red, reddish, as in Eudocimus ruber, the Scarlet Ibis

Rubescens roo-BES-sens
Anaplectes comes from Anapleko, Greek for weave
Rubi, red, reddish, going to red, as in Agraphospiza rubescens,
or braid, and lucidly describes the weaver birds or
Blanfords Rosefinch or the Crimson Rosefinch
weaver finches of the family Plocidae, from the
Rubiginosus roo-bi-ji-NO -sus Greek ploke, a twining or weaving. And weave they
Reddish or rusty, as in Colaptes rubiginosus, the Golden-olive do, constructing the most complex nests of any
Woodpecker birds. Found mainly in sub-saharan Africa, the size,
shape, and construction materials of the nests
Rubinus roo-BYE-nus varies from species to species. The Red-headed
Rubi, red, reddish, as in Pyrocephalus rubinus, the Vermilion Weaver (Anaplectes rubriceps) inhabits a wide
Flycatcher area in southeastern Africa and exhibits a variety
Rubra ROO-bra
of plumage patterns, which have prompted
ornithologists to assign it different scientific
Rubi, red, reddish, as in Paradisaea rubra, the Red Bird-of-paradise
names over the years.
Rubricauda roo-bri-KA W-da
It was originally designated Ploceus melanotis
Rubi, red, reddish, and cauda, tail, as in Phaethon rubricauda,
(Black-eared Weaver) in 1839 even though some
the Red-tailed Tropicbird
populations do not have black ear markings. In
Rubriceps Roo-bn-sep 1845 it became Ploceus erythrocephalus (Red-headed
Weaver) but not until 1954 did Anaplectes rubriceps
Rubi, red, reddish, and ceps, head, as in Anaplectes rubriceps,
the Red-headed Weaver (see box) become the accepted name. Recent DNA evidence
seems to indicate, however, the Red-headed
Rubricollis roo-bri-KOL-lis Weaver is related to the Ploceus genus and should
Rubi, red, reddish, and collis, neck, as in Malimbus rubricollis, be Ploceus rubriceps. After almost 200 years, the
the Red-headed Malimbe name of this species is still being rethought.
Rubrifrons Roo-bri-fronz
Rubi, red, reddish, andfrons, front, forehead, as in Cardellina Anaplectes rubriceps,
rubrijrons, the Red-faced Warbler Red-headed Weaver

Rubripes roo-BRI-peez
Rubi, red, reddish, andpes, foot, as in Anas rubripes, the American
Black Duck

Rueppeli roo-PEL-eye
After Wilhelm Riippell, a German collector, as in Sylvia ruppeli,
Riippells Warbler

Rufa ROO -fa

Red, rufous, as in Lessonia rufa, the Austral Negrito

Rufescens roo-FES-sens
Reddish, as in Atrichomis rufescens, the Rufous Scrubbird

185
RU F IC A PILLA

Ruficapilla, -lus roo-fi-ka-PIL-la/lus Rufogularis roo-fo-goo-LAR-is

Rufus, brownish-red, and capilla, hair, as in Grallaria ruficapilla, Rufus, brownish-red, an&gula, throat, as in Alcippe rufogularis,
the Chestnut-crowned Antpitta the Rufous-throated Fulvetta

Ruficauda, -us, -atum R u f u m , -U S R O O -fum /fus

roo-fi-K A W -da/dus/ roo-fi-kaw-D AT-um Rufus, brownish-red, as in Toxostoma rufum, the
Rufus, brownish-red, and cauda, tail, as in Galbula ruficauda, Brown Thrasher
the Rufous-tailed Jacamar
Rupestris roo-PES-triss
Ruficeps ROO-fi-seps Rock dweller, as in Columba rupestris, the Hill Pigeon,
Rufus, brownish-red and ceps, head, as in Aimophila ruficeps, which nests on cliffs and rock ledges
the Rufous-crowned Sparrow
Rupicola roo-pi-KO-la
Ruficollis roo-fi- COL-lis Rupes, cliff, and cola, inhabitant, as in Rupicola peruvianus,
Rufus, brownish-red and collis, collar, neck, as in Tachybaptus the Andean Cock-of-the-rock
ruficollis, the Little Grebe
Rustica RU SS-ti-ka
Rufifrons RO O -fl-fronz Rusticus, rural, country, as in Hirundo rustica, the Barn Swallow,
Rufus, brownish-red, andfrons, front, forehead, as in Formicarius which avoids urban areas
rufifrons, the Rufous-fronted Antthrush
RllSticola, -U S rus-ti-K O L-a/us
Rufigula, -aris roo-fi-G OO -la/roo-fi-goo-LAR-is Rusticus, rural, country, and cola, inhabitant, as in Scolopax
Rufus, brownish-red, and gula, throat, as in Ficedula rufigula, rusticola, the Eurasian Woodcock
the Rufous-throated Flycatcher
Ruticilla roo-ti-SIL-la
Rufinucha no-jt-mo-ka Rutilis, reddish, and cilia, tail, as in Setophaga ruticilla,
Rufus, brownish-red, and nucha, nape, as in Atlapetes rufinucha, the American Redstart
the Bolivian Brush Finch
Rynchops Rm-kops
Rufipectus roo-fi-PEK-tus Greek, rynchas, beak, and ops, face, as in Rynchops niger,
Rufus, brownish-red, and pectus, breast, as in Leptopogon rufipectus, the Black Skimmer
the Rufous-breasted Flycatcher

Rufipennis roo-fi-PEN-nis
Rufus, brownish-red, and pennis, feather, as in Butastur
rufipennis, the Grasshopper Buzzard

Rufiventer, -tris roo-fi- V E N -ter/tris

Rufus, brownish-red, and venter, belly, abdomen,
as in Tachyphonus rufiventer, the
Yellow-crested Tanager

Rufivirgata, -U S roo-fi-vir-G AT-a/us

Rufus, brownish-red, and virgata, striped, as in
Arremonops rufivirgatus, the Olive Sparrow

Rupicola peruvianus sanguinolentus,

Andean Cock-of-the-rock (subspecies)

186
 SARC O PS

s
Sabini SAY-bine-eye
After Joseph Sabine, English zoologist,
as in Rhaphidura sabini, Sabine s Spinetail

Sagittarius sa-jit-TAR-ee-us
An archer, as in Sagittarius serpentarius, the Secretarybird;
may refer to the feathers that remind one of an archer s quiver of
arrows or the way the bird walks, as an archer stalking its prey Antrostomus salvini,
Tawny-collared Nightjar
Salmoni SAL-m on-eye
After Thomas Salmon, Colombian engineer, as in Brachygalba
salmoni, the Dusky-backed Jacamar Sanctithomae sank-ti-TO -m ee
After Sao Tome, as in Ploceus sanctithomae, the Sao Tome Weaver
Salpinctes sal-PIN K -teez
Salpinx, trumpet, as in Salpinctes obsoletus, the Rock Wren; Ancient Sandwichensis, -vicensis
Greeks compared the song of the Winter Wren to a trumpet and the sand-wich-EN -sis/sand-vi-SEN-sis
genus name became applied to the North American Rock Wren After the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii) as in Porzana sandwichensis,
the extinct Hawaiian Rail
Salpornis sal-POR-nis
Greek, salpinx, trumpet, and omis, bird, as in Salpornis spilonotus, Sanfordi SAN -ford-eye
the Indian Spotted Creeper, with a high-pitched call After Leyland Sanford, American zoologist, as in Cyomis sanfordi,
the Matinan Blue Flycatcher
Saltator sal-TAY-tor
Leaper, dancer, as in Saltator maximus, the Buff-throated Sanguinea, -us san-G W IN -ee-a/us
Saltator; scientific and common name derive from the heavy hopping Sangui, blood, as in Cacatua sanguinea, the Litde Corella, with dark
of the birds on the ground pink markings around the bill and in front of the eyes

Salvadorii, “le i sal-va-DOR-ee-eye/ee-a Sanguiniceps san-G W IN - ih-seps

After Conte Salvadori, Italian physician, educator, and ornithologist, Sangui, blood, and ceps, head, as in Haematortyx sanguiniceps,
as in Cryptospiza salvadorii, the Abyssinian Crimsonwing the Crimson-headed Partridge. Scientific name literally means
bloody quail, bloody head
Salvini SAL-vin-eye
After Osbert Salvin, English naturalist, as in Antrostomus salvini, Sanguinodorsalis san-gw in-oh-dor-SAL-is
the Tawny-collared Nightjar Sangui, blood, and dorsum, back, as in Lagonosticta sanguinodorsalis,
the Rock Firefinch
Samarensis sam -a-REN-sis
After Samar, Phillipines, as in Orthotomus samarensis, Sarcogyps sAR-ko-jtps
the Yellow-breasted Tailorbird Greek, sarc, flesh, and gyps, vulture, as in Sarcogyps calvus,
the Red-headed Vulture
Samoensis sam-o-EN-sis
After Samoa, as in Zosterops samoensis, the Samoan White-eye Sarcops sAR-kops
Greek, sarc, flesh, and ops, face, appearance, as in Sarcops calvus,
the Coleto, with an unfeathered head

187
SARCORAMPHUS

Sarcoramphus sar-ko-RAM -fus Savilei sa-VIL-eye

Greek, sarc, flesh, and ramphos, beak, as in Sarcoramphus papa, After Robert Savile, British soldier and diplomat, as in Lophotis
the King Vulture savilei, Savile s Bustard

Sarkidiornis sar-kid-ee-OR-nis Sawtelli SA W -td -lye

Greek, sarc, flesh, idios, distinct, and omis, bird, as in Sarkidiornis After Gorden Sawtell, British civil servant, as in Aerodramus
melanotos, the Knob-billed Duck sawtelli, the Atiu Swiftlet

Saroglossa sar-o-GLOSS-a Saxicola, -lina, -oides, saks-ih-Ko-u/

Greek, saro, broom, and glossa, tongue, as in Saroglossa saks-ih-ko -LEE N -a/saks-ih-ko-LO Y-deez
(now Hartlaubius) auratus, the Madagascan Starling, which has Saxum, a stone, colo, inhabit, as in Saxicola rubetra, the Whinchat,
small brushlike spines on its tongue common in open rock-strewn habitats

Sarothrura sar-oth-RUR-a Sayornis and Saya say-OR-nis a nd SAY-a

Greek, saro, broom, and oura, tail, as in Sarothrura ayresi, After Thomas Say, American naturalist and zoologist, as in Sayornis
the White-winged Flufftail saya, Says Phoebe

Saturata, -us sa-tur-A T-a/us Scandens, "iacus SK A N -denz/skan-dee-A K -us

Saturated, as with color, as in Euphonia saturata, the Orange- Scand-, climbing, as in Geospiza scandens, the Common Cactus
crowned Euphonia Finch; probably because they climb around cactus plants to feed on
the nectar in their flowers
Saundersi SA WN-ders-eye
After Howard Saunders, British ornithologist, as in Chroicocephalus Scardafella skar-da-FEL-la
saundersi, Saunders’s Gull From Dante, to express scaliness, as in Scardafella (now Columbina)
inca, the Inca Dove
Saurophagus sore-o-FAY-gus
Greek, sauro, lizard, andphagein, eat, as in Todiramphus saurophagus, Scelorchilus skel-or-KIL-us
the Beach Kingfisher; its diet includes lizards Greek, skelos, leg, and orkhilos, wren, as in Scelorchilus rubecula,
the Chucao Tapaculo, which resembles a wren

Scenopoeetes sken -o-po-EE-teez

Greek, skene, a covered place, and poietes, maker, as in
Scenopoeetes dentirostris, the Tooth-billed Bowerbird,
which makes a covered bower

Schalowi SH AL-o-eye
After Herman Schalow, German banker, as in Tauraco schalowi,
Schalow s Turaco

Scheepmakeri SH EP-m ak-er-eye

After C. Scheepmaker, Dutch civil servant and collector, as in
Goura scheepmakeri, the Southern Crowned Pigeon

Schistacea, -U S shis-TvlY-see-a/us
Schistus, slate, as in Sporophila schistacea, the Slate-colored Seedeater

Schisticeps sHis-n-sep,
Schistus, slate, and -ceps, head, as in Coracina schisticeps,
the Gray-headed Cuckooshrike

188
 SE I C E R C U S

Schistochlamys shis-to-KLAM-is
Greek, schistus, slate, and khlamus, cloak, as in Schistochlamys
ruficapillus, the Cinnamon Tanager

Schlegelii shlay-GEL-ee-eye The Vermiculated Fishing Owl (Scotopelia bouvieri)

is described as a nocturnal dove by its genus.
After Hermann Schlegel, German zoologist, as in Pachycephala
schlegelii, the Regent Whisder Nocturnal is appropriate, but dove does not
appear to be. Vermiculated, which means
Schneideri SH N YE-der-eye worm-like, as in wavy lines, might not be the best
After Gustav Schneider, Swiss zoologist, as in Hydromis schneideri, descriptor either. The breast of this bird is
Schneiders Pitta streaked with heavy vertical lines; the back and
wings have much more muted but still wavy
Scissirostrum shis-si-R O SS-trum markings. Hunting along river edges in central
Scissi, cut, split, and rostrum, beak, as in Scissirostrum dubium, Africa, it swoops down on fish, frogs, and insects
the Grosbeak Starling, with a powerful bill on the river surface, rarely entering the water even
Sclateri, -a SK LA Y-ter-eye/a
partially. They feed by sight as the sound of the
river would mask the subtle sounds of their prey.
After Philip or William Sclater, British naturalist, as in Nonnula
sclateri, the Fulvous-chinned Nunlet
Scotopelia bouvieri,
Sclerurus skler-OO -rus Vermiculated
Greek skier, hard, and oura, tail, as in Sclerurus rufigularis, Fishing Owl
the Short-billed Leaftosser, with a stiff tail

Scolopaceus sko-lo-PACE-ee-us
Greek, skolopax, woodcock, as in Limnodromus scolopaceus,
the Long-billed Dowitcher, a bird like a woodcock or snipe

S c o l o p a X SKO-lo-paks
Greek, skolopax, woodcock, as in Scolopax saturata,
the Javan Woodcock

S c O p U S SKO-pus
Scopae, a broom of twigs, as in Scopus umbretta, the Hamerkop,
which builds a huge nest of twigs up to 1.5 meters across

Scotocerca sko-toe-SIR-ka
Greek, scotos, darkness, and cercos, tail, as in Scotocerca inquieta, the
Streaked Scrub Warbler, with a tail darker than the rest of its body Scytalopus skU-a-LOP-us
Greek, scutale, thick stick, andpous, foot, as in Scytalopus latrans, the
Scotopelia sko-toe-PEL-ee-a Blackish Tapaculo; an allusion to the relatively heavy legs and feet
Greek, scotos, darkness, andpeleia, pigeon, as in Scotopelia
bouvieri, the Vermiculated Fishing Owl (see box); no explanation Seebohmi SEE-bome-eye
of pigeon vs owl After Henry Seebohm, British businessman and amateur
ornithologist, as in Amphilais seebohmi, the Gray Emutail
Scutatus, -a skoo-TAT-us/a
Scutum, shield, as in Malimbus scutatus, the Red-vented Malimbe, Seicercus sy-sm-kus
which has a bright-red upper chest and throat resembling a shield Greek, sei, shake, and cercos, tail, as in Seicercusgrammiceps,
the Sunda Warbler; presumably named for its tail movements

189
 Migration
A
variety of animals migrate long or short journey to their breeding grounds (north in the
. distances from wintering to breeding grounds northern hemisphere, the opposite in the southern
and back again, or they wander around in search of hemisphere). Conversely, as the days shorten in the
food, but birds have incorporated these annual breeding areas, the birds reverse the journey. Weather
movements into their life cycles like almost no other does have some effect on their flights, though. Low
creature. Birds migrate mainly away from nesting pressure with wind and rain may slow the speed of
sites as cold weather approaches and food supplies migration, and continued good weather may induce
decline, and head to warmer wintering areas with them to stay where they are, at least for a short time.
abundant fruit, seeds, insects, and other food items. Instead of migrating across several lines of
As spring approaches in their breeding grounds, latitude, some birds simply move down from higher
they leave their winter home and migrate back there, elevations. This is called altitudinal migration.
now that they have sufficient food, potential mates, White-ruffed Manakins (Corapipo altera) of Central
and nest sites. America, for example, migrate to lower elevations
Food and reproduction are the evolutionary during the rainy season to avoid heavy rainstorms.
(ultimate) reasons for moving to spring breeding Birds migrate along flyways (there are eight
grounds; food and escape from winter weather are major ones worldwide) from their breeding to
the ultimate reasons for migrating to warmer wintering grounds and back. Whether across North
wintering grounds. The timing of migration, though, America to Central and South America or across
is cued not by weather factors like temperature, but Europe to Africa, migrating birds follow general
by genetic factors, hormone levels, and particu­ routes that vary with the species and that have
larly photoperiod, the amount of daylight. developed over evolutionary time to provide the
As the days get longer, migratory birds on their most efficient path to their destination. The Arctic
wintering grounds show what is called “migratory Tern (Sternaparadisaea), the animal with the
restlessness” and eventually take off on their longest migration, follows coastlines from
the Arctic to the Antarctic and back
again, covering about 44,000 miles
(73,000 kilometers) each year.

Limosa lapponica,
Bar-tailed Godwit

A female Bar-tailed Godwit fitted with a

satellite transmitter was found to have
completed a 7,000-mile ( I 1,500-kilometer)
non-stop flight from Alaska to New Zealand.
 MIGRATION

Sterna paradisaea,
Arctic Tern

The ArcticTern has the longest migratory trip o f any animal,

from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back again every year;
over 4.350 miles (70,000 kilometers).

Ornithologists have studied bird migration for over

2,000 years by putting numbered bands or rings on
birds and noting where and when they were captured
and recaptured. This is called “ringing” in the UK
and Europe and “banding” in the US. Of birds that
are hunted, like ducks and geese, about 16 percent of
the bands are eventually retrieved. With songbirds it
is less than 1 percent. More recent techniques involve
the use of small transmitters to track birds by radio
or microwave telemetry. Radar is also used to follow
large flocks of birds from one area to another.
Data have been collected for many years on the
dates of migratory arrival and departure each year,
and it is clear that many birds have moved their
To find their way from one part of the earth to migratory dates earlier due to global warming.
another, birds need to have some mechanism of Climate change causes flowers, insects, and seeds to
navigation. Birds can use landmarks such as lakes, appear earlier, and to be the best competitors for
rivers, and mountain ranges, to gauge their path. food and mates, birds have to arrive early as well.
But landmarks are not the only way. Although birds respond to photoperiod and
A population of the Bar-tailed Godwit not weather, there is always variability in
(Limosa lapponica) migrates from New a population and when conditions are
Zealand to China, non-stop across the ocean, changing the birds that migrate earlier
for 6,000 miles (10,000 kilometers) each year. become the most successful
Birds also use the position of the sun, the moon, individuals.
and the stars. And recent evidence has shown
that birds can detect geomagnetic lines of force
via their ophthalmic nerves. Most birds Turdus pilaris,
Fieldfare
probably use two or more of these mecha­
nisms, but nevertheless they occasionally The Fieldfare, now a resident of
lose their way or are blown off course by a southern Greenland, found its
way to the country-island
storm. A number of islands have been colonized when a group of the birds
this way. A flock of Fieldfares (Turdus pilaris) were was blown off course during
pushed to Greenland by a storm and naturalized there. a migratory flight.

191
SEiURU S

Seiurus see-eye-OO-rus Semnornis sem -NO R-nis

Greek, sei, shake, and oura, tail, as in Seiurus aurocapilla, the Greek, semnos, fine, great, and omis, bird, as in Semnornisfrantzii,
Ovenbird. While walking it holds its tail high but while resting it the Prong-billed Barbet
slowly moves it up and down
Senegala, -oides, -alius, -ensis
Selasphorus sel-as-FOR-us sen-eh- GA L -a/sen - eh -gal- 0 Y-deez/sen-eh- G A L -lus/
Greek, selas, light, andphoros, bearing, as in Selasphorusflammula, sen-eh -gal-EN-sis
the brightly colored Volcano Hummingbird From Senegal, as in Centropus senegalensis, the Senegal Coucal

Selenidera sel-en-ih-D ER-a Sericornis se-ri-KOR-nis

Greek, selene, moon, and dera, neck, throat, as in Selenidera Greek, serikos, silken, and omis, bird, as in Sericornis keri, the
maculirostris, the Spot-billed Toucanet, with crescent-shaped Atherton Scrubwren; presumably from the silky-appearing plumage
spots on its bill of their back and head feathers

Seleucidis sei-ioy-sw-is Sericulus se-ri-KOO-lus

Greek, seleukidos, a locust-eating bird, as in Seleucidis Greek, serikos, silken, and diminutive -cuius, as in Sericulus aureus,
melanoleucus, the Twelve-wired Bird-of-paradise the Masked Bowerbird, with silky plumage

Semicinerea, -us se-mee-sin-AIR-ee-a/us Serinus ser-EYE-nus

Semi, half, and ciner-, ashy, as in Cranioleuca semicinerea, Serinus, referring to a bird called the serin, as in Serinus canaria,
the Gray-headed Spinetail the Atlantic Canary

Semicollaris se-mee-col-LAR-is Serpophaga ser-po-FAY-ga

Semi, half, and collaris, neck, collar, as in Nycticryphes semicollaris, Greek, serphos, small insect, andphagein, to eat, as in Serpophaga
the South American Painted-snipe hypoleuca, the River Tyrannulet

Semifasciata se-mee-fas-see-AT-a Serrator ser-RA-tor

Semi, half, andfasciat-, banded, as in Tityra semifasciata, Serra, saw, as in Mergus serrator, the Red-breasted Merganser
the Masked Tityra
Setophaga se-toe-FAY-ga
Semifuscus se-mee-FUS-kus Greek, setos, insect, and phagein, to eat, as in Setophaga citrina,
Semi, half, andfuse-, dusky, as in Chlorospingus semifuscus, the Hooded Warbler
the Dusky Bush Tanager

Semipalmatus se-m ee-pal-M A T-us

Semi, half, and palmatus, palm, as in Charadrius semipalmatus,
the Semipalmated Plover, with partially webbed feet Ra llus sem ip lu m b e u s,
Bogota Rail
Semiplumbeus se-mee-PLUM-bee-us
Semi, half, and plumbeus, lead (colored), as in Rallus semiplumbeus,
the Bogota Rail

Semirufa, -us se-mee-ROOF-a/us

Semi, half, and rufa, rufus, as in Cecropis semirufa,
the Red-breasted Swallow

Semitorquata, -us se-m ee-tor-KW AT-a/us

Semi, half, and torquatus, collared, necklace, as in Ficedula
semitorquata, the Semicollared Flycatcher

192
 Sinensis si-NEN-su
Referring to China, Chinese, as in Stumia sinensis, the
White-shouldered Starling

Sitta SIT -ta

Greek, sitte, a kind of woodpecker or prober, as in Sitta castanea,
Sialia cu rru co id es, the Indian Nuthatch, which climbs trees like a woodpecker
Mountain Bluebird
Sittasomus sit-ta-SO -m us
Greek, sitte, a kind of woodpecker or prober, and soma,
body as in Sittasomusgriseicapillus, the Olivaceous
Sewerzowi su-er-ZO -eye Woodcreeper
After Nikolai Severzov (sic), Russian zoologist, as in Tetrastes
sewerzowi, the Chinese Grouse Sittiparus sit-ti-PAR-us
Greek, sitte, a kind of woodpecker or prober, and parus, tit, as in
Sharpei, -ii SHARP-eye/ee-eye Sittiparus varius, the Varied Tit, which probes for insects and seeds
After Richard Sharpe, British zoologist, as in Macronyx sharpei,
Sharpes Longclaw Smicrornis sm ik-RO R-nis
Greek, smikros, small, and omis, bird, as in Smicrornis
Shelleyi SH EL-lee-eye brevirostris, the Weebill
After George Shelley, British geologist and ornithologist,
as in Nesocharis shelleyi, Shelley s Oliveback Solitaria, -US, -ltis sol-ih-TAR-ee-a/ us/ee-us
Solitary, as in Tringa solitaria, the Solitary Sandpiper, which tends
Sialia see-AL-ee-a not to be found in large groups
Greek, sialis, a word used by Aristode to refer to an unidentified bird,
as in Sialia currucoides, the Mountain Bluebird Somateria so-ma-TAIR-ee-a
Greek, soma, body, and erion, down, as in Somateria mollissima,
Sibilatrix si-bi-LA-tricks the Common Eider; its soft body down is used in quilts
Sibila, whisde, as in Phylloscopus sibilatrix, the Wood Warbler
Sordida, -us, -ulus sor-D I-da/dus/sor-di-D O O -lus
Sieboldii see-BOLD-ee-eye Dirty, unkempt, as in Pinarochroa sordida, the Moorland Chat
After Philip von Siebold, German physician and naturalist,
as in Treron sieboldii, the White-bellied Green Pigeon Spatula spat-OO -la
Spoon, as in Spatula (now Anas) clypeata, the Northern Shoveler,
Signatus sig-NA-tus with a wide and flat bill
Signare, mark, stamp, designate, as in Knipolegus signatus, the Andean
Tyrant; perhaps due to the distinctive wing whirring sound the male
makes during courtship S o m a te ria m ollissim a,
Common Eider
Similis si-MiL-is
Like, as in Anthus similis, the Long-billed Pipit, with a number
of similar-looking geographic races

Simplex s iM -p uks
Simple, as in Piculus simplex, the Rufous-winged
Woodpecker

Sinaloa, -ac sin-a-LO W -a/ee

After Sinaloa, Mexico, as in Thryophilus sinaloa,
the Sinaloa Wren

193
SPECIOSA

Speciosa spe-see-O-sa Spilocephalus spU-o-se-FAL-us

Species, beautiful, as in Dasycrotapha speciosa, the Greek, spilos, spot, and Latin, cephala, head, as in Otus spilocephalus,
Flame-templed Babbler the Mountain Scops Owl; the top of its head is spotted

Spectabilis spek-TA-ba-is Spilodera spU-o-DARE-a

Fancy, showy, as in Somateria spectabilis, the King Eider Greek, spilos, spot, and der, neck, hide, as in Petrochelidon spilodera,
the South African Cliff Swallow
Speirops sPY-rops
Greek, speira, wound around, and ops, eye, as in Speirops Spilogaster spu-o-GAS-ter
(now Zosterops) lugubris, the Black-capped Speirops; name Greek, spilos, spot, and gaster, belly, as in Aquila spilogaster,
refers to the birds white eye ring the African Hawk-Eagle

Spelaeornis spel-ee-OR-nis Spilonotus spil-o-N O -tus

Greek, speos, cave, and omis, bird, as in Spelaeornis caudatus, Greek, spilos, spot, and noto, back, as in Circus spilonotus,
the Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler, which builds its nest in very the Eastern Marsh Harrier, with a spotted back
thick brush, as if in a cave
Spilornis spil- OR-nis
Speotyto spee-o-TI-to Greek, spilos, spot, and omis, a bird, as in Spilornis cheela,
Greek, speos, cave, and tyto, owl, as in Speotyto (now Athene) the Crested Serpent Eagle, with a spotted underside
cunicularia, the Burrowing Owl
Spinus s p in e -U S
Spermestes sper-M ESS-teez Greek, spinos, linnet or siskin, as in Spinus spinus, the Eurasian Siskin
Greek, sperma, seed, and Latin estes, eating, as in Spermestes
(now Lonchura) cucullata, the Bronze Mannikin Spixii s p i k s -ee-eye
After Johann Von Spix, German naturalist, as in Cyanopsitta
Spermophaga sper-mo-FAY-ga spixii, Spix s Macaw
Greek, sperma, seed, andphagein, eating, as in Spermophaga
haematina, the Western Bluebill Spiza s p y -za
Greek, spiza, finch, as in Spiza americana, the Dickcissel,
Spheniscus sfen-iss-kus common name from their call
Greek, sphen, a wedge, and -icus, diminutive, as in Spheniscus
humboldti, the Humboldt Penguin, after its flipper-like wings Spizaetus spy-ZEE-tus
Greek, spizias, hawk, and aetos, eagle, as in Spizaetus omatus,
Sphenocichla sfen-o-siK-u the Ornate Hawk-Eagle; birds of this genus are intermediate
Greek, sphen, a wedge, and Latin, cichla, in size between hawks and eagles
a thrush, as in Sphenocichla roberti,
the Cachar Wedge-billed Babbler SplZella spy-ZE L-la
Greek, spiza, finch, and Latin, -ella, diminutive, as in Spizella
Sphecotheres passerina, the Chipping Sparrow
sfee-ko-THER-eez
Greek, sphekos, a wasp, and therao, Sporophila spo-ro-FIL-a
hunt, as in Sphecotheres viridis, Greek, sporos, seed, andphilos, loving, as in Sporophilafrontalis,
the Green Figbird, which eats insects the Buffy-fronted Seedeater
and occasionally wasps
Squamata, ■ 'tus skw a-M A -ta/tus
Sphyrapicus Squamatus, scaled, as in Eos squamata, the
spy-RAP-ih-kus Violet-necked Lory
Greek,sphyra, hammer, and Latin,picus,
woodpecker, as in Sphyrapicus nuchalis, Sp iza a m erica n a ,

the Red-naped Sapsucker Dickcissel

194
 STR IA TIC O LLIS

Squatarola skwa-ta-RO -la

A type of plover, as in Pluvialis squatarola, the Gray Plover L A T I N I N A C T I O N

Stachyris sta-KiR-is The Wattled Broadbill, Eurylaimus steerii,

Greek, stachus, head of grain, and rhis, nose, as in Stachyris
grammiceps, the White-breasted Babbler, referring to the flap restricted to a small area on Mindanao in the
of tissue nearly covering the nares (nostrils) Philippines, behaves like a flycatcher, sallying out
from a branch to catch an insect and beating the
Steatornis stee-a-TOR-nis large ones against a branch before eating them.
Greek, steatos, fat, and omis, bird, as in Steatornis caripensis, Like other flycatchers, its bill is wide and has a
the Oilbird small hook at the tip, but the bill is much heavier
than the flycatchers’.
Steerii s t e e r -ee-eye
After Joseph Steere, American ornithologist, as in Sarcophanops
steerii, the Watded Broadbill (see box)

Stelgidopteryx stei-ji-DOP-ter-iks
Greek, stelgis, scraper, andpteryx, wing, as in Stelgidopteryx
ruficollis, the Southern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelleri STEL-ler-eye
After George Steller, German naturalist and explorer,
as in Polysticta stelleri, Steller s Eider

Stephanoaetus ste-fan-o-EE-tus
Greek, stephano, crown, and aetos, eagle, as in Stephanoaetus
coronatus, the Crowned Eagle

Stercorarius ster-ko-RARE-ee-us Strepera stre-PAm-a

Stercus, excrement, as in Stercorarius parasiticus, the Arctic Skua Streperus, noisy, as in Streperafuliginosa, the Black Currawong,
or Parasitic Jaeger, which pursues other birds to force them to a loud and noisy bird
regurgitate their food, the ejecta once thought to be excrement
Streptopelia strep-to-PIL-ee-a
Sterna s t e r -ku Strepto, twisted, and peleia, dove, as in Streptopelia turtur,
Latin form o f the English tern, as in Sterna hirundo, the European Turde Dove; refers to the markings around the neck
the Common Tern
Stresemanni STR E Z -m an-nye
Stictonetta stik-toe-N E T-ta After Erwin Stresemann, German ornithologist and collector,
Greek, stiktos, spotted, dotted, and netta, duck, as in as in Merulaxis stresemanni, Stresemann s Brisdefront
Stictonetta naevosa, the Freckled Duck
Striata, -\A $ stree-AT-a/us
Stiphrornis suf-ROR-nu Striated, as in Butorides striata, the Striated Heron
Greek, stiphros, firm, and omis, a bird, as in Stiphrornis
erythrothorax, the Forest Robin, with a stocky Striaticeps stree-AT-ih-seps
build for an Old World Flycatcher Striata, striated, and ceps, head, as in Knipolegus striaticeps,
the Cinereous Tyrant
Stolzmanni ST O L Z -m an-nye
After Jan Sztolcmann, Polish ornithologist, as in Urothraupis Striaticollis stree-at-ih-K O L-lis
stolzmanni, the Black-backed Bush Tanager Striata, striated, and collis, collar, neck, as in Fulvetta striaticollis,
the Chinese Fulvetta

195
STRIATUS

Striatus stree-AT-us Subcristata sub-kris-TA-ta

Striata, striated, as in Colius striatus, the Speckled Mousebird Sub, under, cristatus, crested, as in Cranioleuca subcristata,
the Crested Spinetail
Stricklandii strik-LA N D -ee-eye
After Hugh Strickland, British geologist and naturalist, Sula SOO -la
as in Gallinago stricklandii, the Fuegian Snipe Icelandic, sula, gannet, as in Sula nebouxii, the Blue-footed Booby,
booby from Spanish slang bobo, stupid
Strigops STRY-gops
Greek, strigos, a night bird, and ops, eye, as in Strigops habroptila, Superba, -us soo-PERB-a/us
the Kakapo, a Maori word for night parrot Super, superb, as in Cyomis superbus, the Bornean Blue Flycatcher

Strix S T R IK S Superciliaris soo-per-sil-ee-AR-is

Greek, strigx, utter shrill sounds, as in Strix ocellata, the Mottled Supercilium, eyebrow, as in Camaroptera superciliaris,
Wood Owl the Yellow-browed Camaroptera

Struthio STRO O -thee-o Superciliosa, -urn, -us

Struthio, ostrich, shortened from struthiocamelus, the camel sparrow, soo-per-sil-ee-O S-a/um /us
because of its size, as in Struthio camelus, the Common Ostrich Supercilium, eyebrow, as in Poecile superciliosus, the White-browed Tit

Sturnella sH v-n e l - u Swainsoni, -ii SW AIN-son-eye/swain-SON-ee-eye

Diminutive of stumus, starling, as in Sturnella magna, the Eastern After William Swainson, British naturalist and illustrator,
Meadowlark as in Buteo swainsoni, Swainsons Hawk

Sturnus STIR -nus Swinhoii swin-HO-ee-eye

Starling, as in Stumus vulgaris, the Common or European Starling After Robert Swinhoe, Indian naturalist and collector, as in
Lophura swinhoii, Swinhoe s Pheasant
Subalaris sub-a-LA R-is
Sub, under, ala, wing, arm, as in Turdus subalaris, the Eastern Swynnertoni, -ia SW IN -ner-ton-eye/ee-a
Slaty Thrush After Charles Swynnerton, Indian-born entomologist,
as in Swynnertonia swynnertoni, Swynnertons Robin

Sylvaticus sU-vAT-ih-kus
Strig o p s habroptila,

Kakapo
Silvaticus, of the woods, as in Tumix sylvaticus, the Common
Buttonquail

Sylvia SIL-vee-a
Silva, a forest, as in Sylvia borin, the Garden Warbler, which despite
its common name frequents dense undergrowth

Synallaxis sin-al-LAK-sis
From French Synallaxe for spinetails, as in Synallaxis albigularis,
the Dark-breasted Spinetail

Synthliboramphus sin-th-lih-bo-RA M -fus

Synthlibo, to press, and ramphus, beak, as in Synthliboramphus
hypoleucus, the Guadalupe Murrelet, referring to the laterally
compressed beak

Syrmaticus sir-M AT-ih-kus

Greek, syrma, trailing robe, as in Syrmaticus soemmerringii,
the Copper Pheasant
196
Lo ph ura swinhoii,

Swinhoe's Pheasant

197
 M argaret M orse N ice
( 1883- 1974)

M
argaret Morse Nice Margaret Morse Nice was a major force
was an American in changing the way ornithologists looked
at birds, from checking them off to
ornithologist whose Studies in collecting data on their behavior.
the Life History of the Song
Sparrow (1937), became a
classic, studied by every hand in ornithology,
ornithology student for years publishing notes about albino
afterward. Like many ornitholo­ Brown-headed Cowbirds,
gists, she was influenced by a Molothrus ater, winter
bird book, in this case Bird Craft observations of birds, the
by Mabel Osgood Wright, behavior of the Swainson’s
whose color illustrations Hawk, Buteo swainsoni, as well
inspired young Margaret to start as the nesting of Mourning
noticing birds and taking notes. Doves, Zenaida macroura.
Hie daughter of a professor of history at Amherst She also co-authored and published ornithological
College in Massachusetts, Margaret received a B.S. papers with her husband.
degree in Biology in 1883 from Mt. Holyoke, where Margaret Morse Nice’s first published papers
she also took courses in several languages. In 1915 were primarily on the abundance and occurrence
she received a M.S. degree from Clark University, of birds in various geographic locations. Later she
with a thesis on the food of the Northern Bobwhite became interested in studying bird behavior. When
or Bobwhite Quail, Colinus virginianus. She married in 1927 her husband joined the faculty at Ohio
a fellow graduate student, Leonard Nice, and they State University in Columbus, Margaret began
moved to Norman, Oklahoma, when Leonard ornithological studies of that area while writing up
became a professor of Physiology at the University the research she had done in Oklahoma. She also
of Oklahoma. published many observational papers on subjects
She took meticulous notes on the birds of like a second mating of a robin pair, notes on
Oklahoma and published The Birds o f Oklahoma, Carolina Chickadees, Poecile carolinensis, and some
after which she took a break from her ornithological observations on the birds of Europe, which led to
studies to involve herself in research in the field of her attending the prestigious International
child psychology. She published 18 articles on Ornithological Congress in Oxford. Clearly,
language development in children, but kept her her most significant work during the Ohio period

“The study of nature is a limitless field, the most fascinating adventure in the world.”

Margaret Morse Nice

198
 M A R Ci A R K i' M O R S E N I C E

Melospiza melodia, throughout the entire world as the one who laid the
Song Sparrow foundation for the population studies now so
The 1937 "Studies in the Life zealously pursued.” Ernst Mayer, famous
History of the Song Sparrow" is evolutionist, said that “she, almost single-hand­
one of the most well known of edly, initiated a new era in American ornithology
all bird studies.
and the only effective countermovement against the
list chasing movement. She early recognized the
importance of a study of bird individuals because this
was on Song Sparrows, Melospiza melodia. She is the only method to get reliable life history data.”
spent countless hours in the field observing these Margaret Morse Nice was honored by several
birds and in 1933 published two major papers, the professional ornithological societies, and today the
first entitled “Hie Hieory of Territorialism and Its Wilson Ornithological Society awards the Margaret
Development” and the second on the life of Song Morse Nice medal to an outstanding researcher. She
Sparrows. The latter was first published in German passed away in 1974 at the age of 90, a few months
because she was invited to do so by a German after her husband.
researcher. That same year she published four
additional articles on Song Sparrows, which led to Colinus virginianus.
Northern Bobwhite (also called Bobwhite Quail)
her work garnering international recognition.
Margaret Morse Nice also felt a duty to inform Morse Nice's 1910 study of the Bobwhite Quail estimated that each
the public about the natural world. She became a individual eats 75,000 insects and 5 million weed seeds a year.
member and officer of the Columbus Audubon
Society, occasionally gave nature talks, and was a
frequent radio guest.
In 1937 she and her husband moved to Chicago,
where she was disappointed to find that city bird life
consisted mainly of House Sparrows (Passer domesti­
cus). But this lack of local diversity gave her the time
to do library research, review the research of others,
and write up some of her previous research on Song
Sparrows, the development and behavior of precocial
birds, and the behavior of Brown-headed Cowbirds.
For the rest of her life she continued to research,
review, publish, and collaborate with others, although
health problems gradually slowed her down.
Although she never held an academic or research
position, Margaret earned a solid reputation in the
ornithological world. Animal behaviorist and Nobel
laureate Nikolaas Tinbergen wrote of her: “Through
your works you have become known to ornithologists
199
T
T A B U E Nr S 1 S

Tabuensis tab-oo-EN-sis
From Tahiti and the South Seas, as in Porzana tabuensis,
the Spotless Crake

Tachornis tak-O R-nis

Greek, tachys, fast, and ornis, bird, as in Tachornis squamata,
the Neotropical Palm Swift

Tachybaptus tak-ih-B AP -tus Tangara chilensis,

Greek, tachys, fast, and bapto, sink, as in Tachybaptus ruficollis, Paradise Tanager
the Little Grebe; refers to the birds ability to compress its feathers,
pushing air out so it can quickly dive underwater
Taczanowskii taz-an-O W -skee-eye
Tacbycineta tak-ih-sin-ET-a After Wladyslaw Taczanowski, Polish museum curator, as in
Greek, tachys, fast, and kineter, moving, as in Tachycineta albiventer, Cinclodes taczanowskii, the Peruvian Seaside Cinclodes
the White-winged Swallow
Tadorna ta-DORN-a
Tachyeres u k -ee-ER-eez Celtic, tadorna, pied waterfowl, as in Tadornaferruginea,
Greek, tachys, fast, and eresso, row, as in Tachyeres brachypterus, the Ruddy Shelduck
the Falkland Steamer Duck, which is flightless but a fast swimmer
Taeniatus, -a tee-nee-AT-us/a
Tachymarptis tak-ee-M ARP-tis Greek, taenia, band or stripe, as in Peucedramus taeniatus,
Greek, tachys, fast, and marptis, seize, as in Tachymarptis melba, the Olive Warbler
the Alpine Swift, a fast aerial hunter of insects
Taeniopterus tee-nee-OP-ter-us
Tachyphonus tak-ee-FO NE-us Greek, taenia, band or stripe, andpteron, wing, as in Ploceus
Greek, tachys, fast, and phone, sound, as in Tachyphonus rufiventer, taeniopterus, the Northern Masked Weaver
the Yellow-crested Tanager; birds of this genus have rapid songs
Taeniopygia tee-nee'O'PIJ'ee-a
Greek, taenia, band or stripe, andpuge, rump, buttocks, as in
Tachycineta albiventer, Taeniopygia guttata, the Zebra Finch
White-winged Swallow
Taeniotriccus tee-nee-o-TRIK-kus
Greek, taenia, band or stripe, and trich, hair, as in Taeniotriccus
Andrei, the Black-chested Tyrant

Tallitica, -ensis ta-H EE -ti-ka/'ta-hee-ti-SE N -sis

After Tahiti, as in Hirundo tahitica, the Pacific Swallow

Tangara un-GAR-a
Brazilian Tupi native name for a brightly colored bird, as in
Tangara chilensis, the Paradise Tanager

Tanygnathus tan-ig-N A -thus

Greek, tanuo, long, andgnathos, jaw, as in Tanygnathus
megalorhynchus, the Great-billed Parrot

200
 T E PH R O N O T U S

Tanysiptera tan-ih-sip-TER-a Tenuirostris ten-oo-ee-ROSS-tris

Greek, tanuo, long, andpteron, wing, as in Tanysipteragalatea, Tenuis, slender, and rostrum, bill, as in Numenius tenuirostis,
the Common Paradise Kingfisher the Slender-billed Curlew

Tarsiger TAR-si-jer Tephrocephalus te-fro-se-FAL-us

Greek, tar-, ankle, Latin, tarsus, a flat surface, andjjer, bearing, Greek, tephros, gray, ashy, and Latin, cephala, head, as in Seicercus
carrying, as in Tarsiger indicus, the White-browed Bush Robin, tephrocephalus, the Gray-crowned Warbler
a ground-dwelling bird
Tephrocotis u-fro-Ko-tu
Tasmanicus taz-M A N -ih-kus Greek, tephros, gray, ashy, and otos, ear, as in Leucosticte
After Tasmania, Australia, as in Corvus tasmanicus, the Forest Raven tephrocotis, the Gray-crowned Rosy-finch

Tauraco u w -r o c k - o Tephrodornis te-fro-D O R-nis

Derived from native African name based on the birds call, Greek, tephros, gray, ashy, and omis, bird, as in Tephrodornis
as in Tauraco leucotis, the White-cheeked Turaco virgatus, the Large Woodshrike

Tectus TEK -tus Tephrolaema te-fro-LE E-m a

Covered, as in Vanellus tectus, the Black-headed Lapwing Greek, tephros, gray, ashy, and laemus, throat, gullet, as in
Arizelocichla tephrolaema, the Western Greenbul
Teerinki TER-rtnk-eye
After C. G. J. Teerink, Dutch Army officer, as in Lonchura teerinki, Tephronotus, -um te-fro -NO - tus/tu m
the Black-breasted Manakin Greek, tephros, gray, ashy, and notos, back, as in Turdus
tephronotus, the Bare-eyed Thrush
Teledromas te-ie-DROM-as
Greek, tele, far, and dromas, run, running, as in Teledromasjuscus, the
Sandy Gallito, meaning small chicken, although it does not resemble
one

Telespiza u -u -s p y -za
Greek, tele, far, and spiza, finch, as in Telespiza cantans,
the Laysan Finch

Telophorus u I-o-e o r -us

Greek, telo, end, last, andphorus, bearer, as in Telophorus viridis,
the Gorgeous Bushshrike

Temminckii tem -M IN K-ee-eye

After Coenraad Temminck, Dutch ornithologist, as in Dendrocopos
temminckii, the Sulawesi Pygmy Woodpecker

Temnurus tem -N O O -rus

Greek, temno, to cut, and oura, tail, as in Temnurus temnurus,
the Ratchet-tailed Treepie

Temporalis tem -po-RAL-is

Tempora-, temple, as in Ploceus temporalis, Bocages Weaver;
refers to the temples of the head

Tenebrosa ten-e-BRo-sa
Tenebrae, darkness, as in Gallinula tenebrosa, the Dusky Moorhen

201
T ER EN U RA

Terenura te-re-Noo-ra
Greek, tere, soft, and oura, tail, as in Terenura maculata,
the Streak-capped Antwren

T e r p s i p h o n e terp-si-FONE-ee
Greek, terpsis, enjoyment, and phone, a sound, as in Terpsiphone
paradisi, the Asian Paradise Flycatcher

Terrestris te-RESS-tris
The ground, earth, terrestrial, as in Zoothera terrestris, Thamnophilus palliatus,
the extinct Bonin Thrush Chestnut-backed Antshrike

Tessmanni TESS-m an-nye

After Gunther Tessman, German botanist and anthropologist, Teysmanni T E Z -m an-nye
as in Muscicapa tessmanni, Tessmann s Flycatcher After Johannes Teijsmann (sic), Dutch botanist, as in Rhipidura
teysmanni, the Rusty-bellied Fantail
Tethys TE-thu
Greek goddess of the sea, as in Oceanodroma tethys, Thalasseus tha-LAS-see-us
the Wedge-rumped Storm Petrel Greek, thalassa, sea, as in Thalasseus maximus, the Royal Tern

Tetrao te -r iu y - o T h a l a S S l n a , "U S tha-las-SE E N -a/us

Greek, tetraon, grouse-like bird, as in Tetrao urogallus, the Western Greek, thallasinos, of the sea, and hals, sea, as in Cissa thalassina,
Capercaille, because it looks like a big grouse the Javan Green Magpie, referring to the sea-green color of the bird

Tetraogallus te-tra-o-G AL-lus Thalassornis tha-la-SO R-nis

Greek, tetraon, grouse-like bird, and gallus, a cock, as in Greek, thalassa, sea, and ornis, bird, as in Thalassornis leuconotus,
Tetraogallus caspius, the Caspian Snowcock the White-backed Duck

Tetraophasis te -tray -o-FA Y-sis Thamnophilus tham -no-FIL-us

Greek, tetraon, grouse-like bird, and Latin,phasis, pheasant, Greek, thamnos, bush, andphilos, loving, as in Thamnophilus
as in Tetraophasis obscurus, Verreauxs Monal-Partridge palliatus, the Chestnut-backed Antshrike (see box)

Tetrax TET-mks Thayeri THEY-er-eye

Greek, tetraon, game bird, as in Tetrax tetrax, the Little Bustard After John Thayer, American ornithologist and collector,
as in Larus thayeri, Thayers Gull
Tetrix TET-riks
Greek, tetraon, ground-nesting bird, as in Lyrurus tetrix, Thinocorus thin-o-K O R-us
the Black Grouse Greek, thinos, beach, and Latin, corys, lark, as in Thinocorus
rumicivorus, the Least Seedsnipe, a shorebird found in habitats
favored by larks

Thomensis toe-M EN-sis

From Sao Tome in the Gulf of Guinea, as in Columba thomensis,
the Sao Tome Olive Pigeon

Thoracica, "US thor-a-SIK -a/us

Thoracicus, breast, of the chest, as in Poospiza thoracica,
the Bay-chested Warbling-Finch

202
 TIGRIORNIS

Thyroideus thy-ROY-dee-us
L A T I N I N A C T I O N Shield-like, as in Sphyrapicus thyroideus, Williamsons Sapsucker;
— -------------------------------------------------4 may refer to black breast patch of female
Thamnophilus palliatus, th e C h estn u t-b a c k e d
A ntsh rik e, inhabits thick b rush, d e n se vines, and
Tibetanus a-be-TA N -us
After Tibet, as in Tetraogallus tibetanus, the Tibetan Snowcock
im p e n e tra b le th ic k ets in S o u th A m erica. T h e m ale
has a distinctive black c ro w n w hile th e fem ale’s is Tibialis ti-bee-AL-is
b ro w n ; typical o f all o f th e sp ecies o f Thamnophilus Referring to the shin, tibia, as in Neochelidon tibialis,
is th e black and w h ite p a tte rn o f th e m ale being the White-thighed Swallow
rep laced by th e b ro w n o f th e fem ale. Palliatus is a
m antle, refe rrin g to th e ru fo u s c o lo r o f th e back, Tickelii, "etc TIK-el-lye/ee-eye
w ings, and tail. A s they fo rag e fo r insects, th e y ta k e After Samuel Tickell, British Army officer and ornithologist,
slow , d e lib e ra te ste p s b e fo re th e y lunge fo r th e ir as in Cyomis tickelliae, Tickells Blue Flycatcher
prey. D istu rb e d by a p o te n tia l p re d a to r, th e y will
fre e ze m o tio n less, so m e tim e s fo r several m inutes.
Tigrina, -us ty-GRm-a/us
Tigris, tiger, or tiger-striped, as in Setophaga tigrina,
the Cape May Warbler

Tigriornis ty-gree-OR-nis
Thraupis t h r a w -pis Tigris, tiger, or tiger-striped, and Greek, omis, bird, as in
Greek, a little bird, as in Thraupis episcopus, the Blue-gray Tanager Tigriornis leucolopha, the White-crested Tiger Heron

Threskiornis thres-kee-OR-nis
Greek, threskos, religious, and omis, a bird, as in Threskiornis Egretta thula,
moluccus, the Australian White Ibis Snowy Egret

Thripadectes thri-pa-D EK -teez

Greek, thrips, woodworm, and dektes, hunter, as in Thripadectes
ignobilis, the Uniform Treehunter

Thripophaga thri-po-FAY-ga
Greek, thrips, woodworm, and phagein, devour, as in Thripophaga
cherriei, the Orinoco Softtail

Thryomanes thy - ro -M A N -eez

Greek, thruon, reed, and manes, very fond of, as in Thryomanes
bewickii, Bewicks Wren

Thryothorus thry-o-TH O R -us

Greek, thruon, a reed, and thorous, rushing, leaping, as in Thryothorus
ludovicianus, the Carolina Wren; they will inhabit marshes, but
prefer woodlands and urban environments

Thula TH O O -la
A region in the far north, probably snowy, as in Egretta thula,
the Snowy Egret

203
TIG R ISO M A

Tigrisoma ty-gri-SO -m a
Tigris, tiger, or tiger-striped, and Greek, soma, body, as in
Tigrisoma mexicanum, the Bare-throated Tiger Heron

Tinamus rm -a-m us The Crimson Topaz, Topaza pella, is one of over

300 species of hummingbirds. Found only in the
Native name from French Guinea, as in Tinamus
tao, the Gray Tinamou Americas, the males have evolved a spectacular
coloration with an abundance of iridescence. It is no
Tityra a-TYE-m surprise that some of their names come from the
Tityrus, a character from ancient Roman poet Virgil, as in world of gems (the Amethyst-throated Mountaingem,
Tityra cayana, the Black-tailed Tityra Lampornis amethystinus, and the Berylline Humming­
bird, Amazilia beryllina) or are fancifully descriptive
Tockus TOK-us (Rainbow Starfrontlet, Coeligena iris, and
From Portuguese imitation of birds call, as in Tockusfasciatus, the Purple-throated Sunangel,
the African Pied Hornbill
Heliangelus viola).
Todiramphus t oe-di-RAM -fus
Todus, small bird, and Greek, ramphos, bill, as in Todiramphus
diops, the Blue-and-white Kingfisher

Todirostrum toe-di-RO SS-trum

Todus, small bird, and rostrum, bill, as in Todirostrum pictum, Topaza pella,
the Painted Tody-Flycatcher Crimson Topaz

Todus TO E-dus
Small bird, as in Todus multicolor, the Cuban Tody
Townsendi TO W N-send-eye
Tolmomyias tol-mo-M Y-ee-as After John Townsend, American naturalist and collector,
Greek, tolma, bold, daring, and Latin, myias, fly, as in as in Myadestes townsendi, Townsends Solitaire
Tolmomyiasflaviventris, the Ochre-lored Flatbill
Toxorhamphus toks-o-RAM -fus
Topaza toe-PAZ-a Greek, toxon, bow, and ramphos, bill, as in Toxorhamphuspoliopterus,
Topazus, topaz, as in Topaza pella, the Crimson Topaz (see box) the Slaty-headed Longbill, a small bird with a long down-curved bill

Torgos TOR-gos Toxostoma to k s-o -sro M -a

Greek, torgos, vulture, as in Torgos trackeliotos, Greek, toxon, bow, and stoma, mouth, as in Toxostoma cinereum,
the Lappet-faced Vulture the Gray Thrasher, with a down-curved bill

Torquata, -us, -eola Tragopan trag-o-puh

tor-K W AT-a/us/tor-kw at-ee-O -la Greek, tragos, goat, and pan, god of the wild and flocks, as in
Torques, twisted necklace, as in Chauna torquata, the Southern Tragopan caboti, Cabots Tragopan; the head feather tufts on
Screamer, with a necklace of black topped by a white one the male resemble goat horns

Torquilla to r-K w n -u Traill ii TRAIL-lee-eye

Torqueo, twist, turn, and -ilia, diminutive, as inJynx torquilla, After Thomas Trail, Scottish zoologist and physician,
the Eurasian Wryneck, named for its distinctive twisting as in Empidonax traillii, the Willow Flycatcher
display when threatened
Traversi TRA-ver-sye
TotanUS toe-TAN-us After Henry Travers, a New Zealand ornithologist, as in Petroica
Italian, totano, moorhen, as in Tringa totanus, the Common Redshank traversi, the Black Robin

204
 TYTO

Trichopsis trik-OP-sis T s c l i u d i i CHOO-dee-eye

Greek, tbrix, hair, and opsis, appearance, as in Megascops trichopsis, After Johann Tschudi, Swiss explorer, as in Ampeloides tschudii,
the Whiskered Screech Owl the Scaled Fruiteater

Tricolor trik-o-Iot T u r d i n a , -U S tur-D E E N -a/us

Three-colored, as in Egretta tricolor, the Tricolored Heron Turdinus, thrush-like, as in Schiffomis turdina, the Brown-winged
Schiffornis or Thrush-like Mourner
Tridactyla try-da k-T iL -a
Tri-, three, and dactylos, toes, as in Rissa tridactyla, the Black-legged Turdoides tur-D O Y-deez
Kittiwake, whose hind toe is very small Turdus, thrush, and oides, appearance, as in Turdoidesfulva,
the Fulvous Babbler
Trifasciatus try-fas-see-A T-us
Tri-, three, andfasciat-, banded, as in Carpodacus trifasciatus, Turdus TUR-dus
the Three-banded Rosefinch Thrush, as in Turdus merula, the Common Blackbird

Tringa t r in g -h Turnix ruR-mks

Greek, tringas, a white-rumped water bird, as in Tringa ochropus, Cotumix, quail, as in Turnix sylvaticus, the Common Buttonquail
the Green Sandpiper
furtur T U R -lur
Tristigma, -ata try-ST IG -m a/try-stig-M A -ta Turde dove, as in Turtur afer, the Blue-spotted Wood Dove
Tri, three, and Greek, stigma, spot, as in Caprimulgus tristigma,
the Freckled Nightjar Tympanuchus tim -pan-O O -kus
Tympanum, drum, and Greek, echein, to have, as in Tympanuchus
Tristis TRis-tis cupido, the Greater Prairie Chicken; drum refers to the drumming
Sad, as in Acridotheres tristis, the Common Myna, from the sounds the male makes during courtship
Hindi word maina
Tyrannus, -ulus, -iscus, -ina
Tristrami TRIS-tram -eye ti-R A N -n us/ti-ran-O O -lus/ti-ran -IS-kus/ti-ra n -EE-n a
After Henry Tristram, British church canon and naturalist, Tyrant, as in Tyrannus albogularis, the White-throated Kingbird
as in Myzomela tristrami, the Sooty Myzomela
Tyro n -to
Trivirgatus try-vir-G AT-us Greek, tyto, owl, as in Tyto capensis, the African Grass Owl
Tri, three, and virga, stripe, as in Accipiter trivirgatus, the Crested
Goshawk, with three bands on the tail
Egretta tricolor,
Troglodytes trog-lo-DITE-eez Tricolored Heron
Greek, trogle, cave, and dytes, dweller, as in Troglodytes rufociliatus,
the Rufous-browed Wren; refers to its habit of disappearing into
cavities and crevices when hunting for invertebrates or to rest

Trogon TRO -gon

Greek, trogein, to gnaw, as in Trogon melanurus, the Black-tailed
Trogon; may refer to the birds’ habit of gnawing into decayed trees
to make a nest hole, or perhaps nibbling fruit

Tryngites trin-JITE-eez
Greek, trynga, and -ites, like, as in Tryngites subruficollis,
the Buff-breasted Sandpiper, named for its similarity
to sandpipers in the Tringa genus

205
 T urdus

T
he Common Blackbird Turdus merula,
of Europe (Turdus Common Blackbird
merula) and the American Robin
(77 migratorius') are the most well-
known examples of the family Turdidae with a population of perhaps a
which contains about 170 thrush species in hundred million in Europe alone.
25 genera. The true thrushes, with 65 species, are Thrushes often feed on the ground,
in the largest genus, Turdus (TUR-dus). They are f eating insects, insect larvae, worms,
medium-sized omnivorous birds known for their snails, small seeds, and berries. Perhaps you have seen
melodious songs and are found on every continent robins or blackbirds turning their head from side to
except Antartica. side as they forage. They can actually hear insects
Pliny the Elder was a Roman author, natural crawling through the litter and worms moving in
historian, and philosopher who wrote Naturalis their holes.
Historia (Natural History), an encyclopedia of Many true thrushes are named after locations,
nature. In it he gave the thrush the name Turdus, such as the Karoo Thrush, T. smithi, African
which survives two millennia later. The Common Thrush, 77pelios, Comoros Thrush, 77 bewsheri,
Blackbirds specific name, merula, derives from Latin Japanese Thrush, 77 cardis, and Chinese Thrush,
and simply means blackbird; the American Robin’s 77 mupinensis. Most others are descriptive names
specific name migratorius means wanderer, referring such as the White-collared Blackbird and Bare-eyed
to its migratory habits. Thrush. The former, 77 albocinctus, Latin albo, white,
Although considered the harbinger of spring, and cinctus, encircling, has common and specific
American Robins are year-round residents through­ names that are appropriate. 77 tephronotus (Greek
out the US outside of Alaska and nest everywhere tephro, ash-colored, and notos, back), the Bare-eyed
in North America north of Thrush, has a more apt
Mexico. They are certainly common name than its specific
one of the most well-known name; it is gray on the back,
and abundant of American but the bare skin around the
birds. They were named eye is more distinctive.
after the European Robin, In the case of 77pallidus
Erithacus rubecula, which (Latin, pallidus, pale), the
is actually a flycatcher or chat. Pale Thrush, neither its
The Common Blackbird is specific nor common name
found throughout Europe is particularly descriptive.
and parts of Asia and has
been introduced into
Australia. It is another Turdus albocinctus,
familiar and common bird White-collared Blackbird

206
 u
U ST uL AT U S

Ultima U L-tee-m a
Ultimate, as in Pterodroma ultima, Murphys Petrel; ultima seems
to refer to the limited range of the bird

Ultramarina ul-tra-m ar-E EN -a

Ultra, beyond, and marina, marine, as in Aphelocoma ultramarina,
the Transvolcanic Jay; refers to the birds brilliant blue coloring

Umbra uM-bra
Umbra, shade, as in Otus umbra, the Simeulue Scops Owl,
from Simeulue Island, Indonesia

LJndcltcl, “U S un-D AT-a/us

Undatus, wavelike, as in Sylvia undata, the Dartford Warbler White-tailed Hillstar

Undulata, -ua un-doo-LAT-a/un-doo-la-TO O -a

Having wavelike markings, as in Chlamydotis undulata, Urochroa oo-ro-KRO-a
the Houbara Bustard Greek, oura, tail, and khroa, complexion, as in Urochroa bougueri,
the White-tailed Hillstar
Unicolor oo-nee-KO-lor
Uni-, one, and color, color, as in Haematopus unicolor, the Variable Uroglaux OO-ro-glawks
Oystercatcher, which is all black, unlike many in the same genus Greek, oura, tail, andglaux, owl, as in Uroglaux dimorpha,
the Papuan Hawk-Owl
Unirufa, -us oo-nee-ROO -fa/fus
Uni-, one, single, rufa, rufous, as in Cinnycerthia unirufa, Uropygialis oo-ro-pi-jee-AL-is
the Rufous Wren Uropygium, rump, as in Melanerpes uropygialis, the Gila Woodpecker

Upupa oo-POO-pa Urosticte oo-ro-STIK-tee

Imitation of the bird’s call, as in Upupa epops, the Eurasian Hoopoe Greek, oura, tail, and stiktos, spotted, as in Urosticte benjamini,
the Purple-bibbed Whitetip
Uraeginthus oo-ree-JIN-thus
Greek, oura, tail, and Latin, aeginthus, hedge sparrow, Urothraupis oo-ro-THRAw-pis
as in Uraeginthus angolensis, the Blue Waxbill Greek, oura, tail, and thraupis, thrush, as in Urothraupis stolzmanni,
the Black-backed Bush Tanager
Uragus oo-RA-gus
Greek, oura, tail, and Latin, ago, having, as in Uragus Urotriorchis oo-ro-tree- OR-kis
(now Carpodacus) sibiricus, the Long-tailed Rosefinch Greek, oura, tail, and triokhos, kind of falcon or kite, as in
Urotriorchis macrourus, the Long-tailed Hawk
Uria oo-REE-a
Diving bird, as in Uria aalge, the Common Murre or Guillemot Ussheri USH-er-eye
After H. B. Usher, British ornithologist, as in Erythropitta ussheri,
Urichi OO-rich-eye the Black-crowned Pitta
After Freiderich Urich, a Trinidadian naturalist, as in Phyllomyias
urichi, Urichs Tyrannulet Ustulatus oo-stoo-LAT-us
Burned, referring to the brownish color, as in Catharus ustulatus,
Swainson’s Thrush

207
 Foraging
H
umans are omnivores, omni meaning all, (Setophaga coronata) in the US are so called because
and vore, to eat, and refers to our habit of of their preference for Myrtle berries. These fruits are
eating a wide variety of foods, plant and animal. undigestible by other warblers but enable the Myrtle
Many birds, like crows, jays, and starlings, are Warbler to winter farther north than any other
omnivores, but most birds are somewhat or very North American warbler. Many tropical frugivores
restricted in their food choices because of their bill can eat very spicy hot peppers containing capsaicin,
shape, digestive capabilities, or physiological needs. which is the plants’ chemical defense to deter
Obviously, long-billed shorebirds, hook-billed hawks, mammalian predators. Birds, however, have relatively
and flat-billed swallows and swifts are adapted to few taste buds, enabling them to exploit food sources
capture and eat different foods. And so we have that other animals find distasteful. One exception
insect/arthropod-eating birds called insectivores, is that of the Monarch butterfly whose larvae
fruit-eating frugivores, piscivorous fish-eaters, (caterpillars) eat milkweed, which contains a very
carnivores like hawks, and nectarivores that get their distasteful alkaloid. Adult butterflies taste so
sustenance from the sugary liquid of flowers. incredibly bad that after one experience birds avoid
Birds’ digestive systems have evolved to break Monarchs. This protects other Monarchs, as well as
down and incorporate food items gathered by the the non-poisonous Monarch mimic, the Viceroy
bill. In the winter, waxwings eat a lot of berries, butterfly. It works for a few birds as well. Some birds
some of which have a tough coating. But in sixteen of the genus Pitobui on New Guinea eat beetles that
minutes the berry passes through the digestive contain a neurotoxic poison that makes the birds’
system, the coating excreted and the pulp mostly skin and feathers distasteful, perhaps poisonous.
digested. The population of Myrtle Warblers This is the same poison found in the skin of
poisonous frogs in Colombia.
Some birds, especially those in Corvidae, the
crow and jay family, cache their food for eating later
and are amazingly good at finding their secreted
hoard. Nutcrackers know exactly where to dig for
their nut cache even after a significant snowfall.
California Scrub Jays (Aphdocoma californica) will
bury one acorn at a time, but if they see another jay
observing them they will return later to rebury the
acorn elsewhere to foil any theft by the observer.

Setophaga tigrina,
Cape May Warbler

The Cape May Warbler in order to

compete successfully for food, specializes
in eating insects on the tree tops.
 F O R AG IN G

Then there are those birds that Ceryle rudis,

prefer not to hunt their own Pied Kingfisher
food but take it from others. Most kingfishers have to divide the
Kleptoparasites harass other resources longitudinally since they are
birds and steal their food restricted to river banks or lake shores.
(Greek, klepto, I steal.) Frigate-
birds often chase gulls, terns, and
gannets, forcing them to drop them to eat different sized
their fish or squid in midair, foods. The Common and
where it is quickly retrieved by Crested Kingfishers, Alcedo
the frigatebird. atthis and Megaceryle lugubris,
The survival and breeding of central Japan share the river
success of birds depends in large habitat this way, as do the very
part on the food supply and their ability to exploit similar Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks
it. In addition to the absolute abundance of food, {Accipiter striatus and cooperii), the latter being
competition from similar species exploiting the same one-third larger than the former.
food sources poses a potential problem and has There is the classic example of warblers in
resulted in an elegant solution via evolution. In any the northeastern US that forage on insects but in
habitat, birds of different species that eat similar different parts of the trees; the Cape May Warbler,
foods have different bill and body sizes, allowing Setopbaga tigrina, feeds on the tree tops while the
while the Bay-breasted Warbler, Setopbaga castanea,
prefers the center. Insect-eating species across the
world all demonstrate some version of this segrega­
tion, but the most famous example is certainly that
of the Galapagos (Darwins) finches. There are 14
finch species scattered over 19 islands, with differing
sets of species on each island. The beaks of the birds
vary in size depending on what other species of bird
are present. Evolution has fine-tuned the size of the
birds’ bills in response to the neighbors’ so that
they make the best use of the food supply.

Accipiter cooperii,
Cooper's Hawk

The Cooper's Hawk is one of the bird

species that is colonizing cities and suburbs
as natural habitats disappear.

109
VA L I D I R O S T RI S

V
Validirostris vai-ih-di-Ross-tm
Variegata, -us var-ee-eh-G A-ta/tus
Variegated, as in Sula variegata, the Peruvian Booby

Vauxi VOKS-eye
After William Vaux, American mineralogist and archeologist,
Validus, strong, and rostrum, bill, as in Lanius validirostris, as in Chaetura vauxi, Vaux s Swift
the Mountain Shrike
Velatus vel-AH -tus
Validus val-EE-dus Covered or veiled, as in Xolmis velatus, the White-rumped Monjita
Strong, as in Corvus validus, the Long-billed Crow
Veniliornis ven-il-ee-O R-nis
Valisneria val-is-N AIR-ee-a In Roman mythology Venilia was a river nymph turned
After Antonio Vallisneri, Italian naturalist, as in Aythya into a woodpecker, as in Veniliornis maculifrons,
valisineria, the Canvasback the Yellow-eared Woodpecker

Vanellus van-EL-lus Ventralis ven-TRA-lis

Vannus, fan, and -ellus, little, as in Vanellus spinosus, Ventral, belly, as in Buteo ventralis, the Rufous-tailed Hawk
the Spur-winged Lapwing
Venusta, -us ven-O O -sta/stus
Vanga v a n g -u Venustus, beautiful, as in Erythropitta venusta, the Graceful Pitta
A curved blade, as in Vanga curvirostris, the Hook-billed Vanga
Vermiculatus ver-m i-koo-LAT-us
Varia, -us VAR-ee-a/us Vermis, worm, grub, wormlike (markings), as in Burhinus
Variegated, as in Strix varia, the Northern Barred Owl vermiculatus, the Water Thick-knee, with numerous wavy
markings on the chest and back

Vermivora ver-m i-VO R-a

Vermis, worm, and vorare, to devour, as in Vermivora cyanoptera,
the Blue-winged Warbler

Verreauxi ver-RA IVKS-eye

After Jules Verreaux, French natural historian, and brother of Jean,
as in Coua verreauxi, Verreaux s Coua

Verreauxii ver-RA IVKS-ee-eye

After Jean Verreaux, French naturalist and collector, and brother
of Jules, as in Aquila verreauxii, Verreaux s Eagle

Versicolor ver-SIK-o-lor
A variety of colors, as in Amazona versicolor, the St Lucia Amazon

Verticalis ver-ti-K A L-is

Crowned, as in Cyanomitra verticalis, the Green-headed Sunbird

Vespertinus ves-per-TINE-us
O f the evening, as in Falco vespertinus, the Red-footed Falcon

Vestiaria ves-tee-AR-ee-a
Vestis, cloak, -aria, resemble, as in Vestiaria coccinea, the Iiwi;
Blue-winged Warbler its feathers were used to make robes for Hawaiian royalty

210
 Va n e l l u s

T
he genus name Vanellus Vanellus vanellus,
(van-EL-lus), from the Northern Lapwing
Latin, meaning little fan, may
be the name of this genus
because of the way its 25 nest or even bury it so as
species flap their large wings not to attract predators.
in flight or act as though they Tire African Wattled
have a broken wing when Lapwing (V senegallus) lives
protecting their nest or on plains where the only
young. These birds are called way to survey the area for
lapwings because they distract predators is to find termite
predators by dragging, mounds. Perhaps the most
flopping, or lapping one wing well known of the genus is
on the ground as if they were V. vanellus, the Northern
wounded. The approaching Lapwing, because it is found
intruder sees easy prey in the across much ofEurasia. In
apparently injured bird and Britain it is just called the
chases after the adult, who leads the predator a safe Lapwing or, in some areas, Peewit, for its call. Up
distance from the nest and then flies away. The until the early twentieth century, people would
species name of the Senegal Lapwing, V. lugubris, collect and eat Peewit eggs. By the 1950s this practice
means mournful; since mournful does not seem to was banned in most countries, but for many years
describe the bird’s call, the name may be from the after there was a national
broken-wing act. competition in the Nether­
Like many shorebirds, Vanellus lapwings lay lands to collect the first Peewit
around four eggs in a shallow depression. The narrow egg of the year. Finding the first
ends of the eggs face inward to prevent them from egg is still a popular competition,
moving. Northern Lapwings commonly nest though it is no longer taken away
in agricultural fields but suffer 35 to 60 from the nest. Due to climate
percent mortality from agricul­ change, the first egg is being found
tural activities, including earlier and earlier each year.
trampling by cows and
predation by crows. The
young, like the eggs, are cryptically Vanellus macropterus,
colored and leave the nest very shortly after Javan Lapwing
hatching and remain with the parents for 5 to
The Javan Lapwing has not been
6 weeks. Because the inside of the shell is reliably reported since 1940
white, the parent will remove it from the and is most likely extinct.

211
V IC TOR1A

Victoria, -ae vik-TOR-ee-a/eye

After Queen Victoria of Great Britain, as in Goura victoria,
the Victoria Crowned Pigeon

Vidua vy-D OO -a
From Whydah, a town in West Africa, as in Vidua raricola,
thejambandu Indigobird

Vieiiloti vee-eh-LOT-eye
After Louis Vieillot, French ornithologist and businessman,
as in Lybius vieiiloti, Vieillot s Barbet

Vigorsii vi-GOR-see-eye
After Nicholas Vigors, Irish secretary of the Zoological Society
of London, as in Eupodotis vigorsii, the Karoo Korhaan

Viilosus vil-LO S -US

Hairy, as in Picoides villosus, the Hairy Woodpecker
! Viridicata vir-id-ih-K A -ta
Violacea, -us vee-o-LACE-ee-a/us Viridius, green, as in Myiopagis viridicata, the Greenish Elaenia
Violaceus, violet-colored, as in Loxigilla violacea, the Greater
Antillean Bullfinch j Viridicauda vir-id-ih-C A W -da
Viridus, green, cauda, tail, as in Amazilia viridicauda,
Virens viR-enz the Green-and-white Hummingbird
Becoming green, as in Contopus virens, the Eastern Wood Pewee
Viridicyanus vir-ed-ih-see-AN-us
Vireo VIR-ee-o Viridus, green, and cyaneus, dark blue, as in Cyanolyca viridicyanus,
Virere, to be green, as in Vireo pallens, the Mangrove Vireo the White-collared Jay

Virescens vir-es-senz Viridis vir-IH -dis

Greenish, as in Empidonax virescens, the Acadian Flycatcher Viridus, green, as in Merops viridis, the Blue-throated Bee-eater

Virgata, -us vw-GAT-a/us Vitellinus vi-tei-LiNE-us

Virgatus, striped or streaked, as in Sterna virgata, Vitellus, egg yolk (color), as in Ploceus vitellinus, the Vitelline
the Kerguelen Tern Masked Weaver

Vittata, -um, -U S vit-T A T -a/um /us

Vittatus, banded, as in Amazona vittata, the Puerto Rican Amazon

Vociferas vo-SIF-er-us
Noisy, as in Charadrius vociferus, the Killdeer, common name
from its call

Vulgaris vuI-gar-e
Common, vulgar, as in Stumus vulgaris, the Common Starling,
reflecting its former abundance

VultUr VUL-tur
A vulture, as in Vulturgryphus, the Andean Condor

212
 WOODFORDI

w
Wagleri VAG-ler-eye
L A T I N I N A C T I O N

The Bornean Stubtail, Urosphena whiteheadi, is

After Johann Wagler, German herpetologist, as in Ortalis wagleri, well described as it has a very short tail. But the
the Rufous-bellied Chachalaca tail is also wedge-shaped, hence its genus name
Urosphena (wedge-shaped tail). Found on or near
Wahlbergi VAL-berg-eye the ground in mountain forests from 2,600 to
After Johan Wahlberg, Swedish naturalist and collector, as in 10,000 feet (800 to 3,000 meters), it creeps
Hieraaetus wahlbergi, Wahlberg s Eagle through the leaf litter very surreptitiously, acting
more mouse-like than birdlike, looking for insects
Wallacii, "C i wal-LAC E-ee-eye/W AL-lis-eye and other invertebrates. As is typical for birds that
After Alfred Russell Wallace, English naturalist, geographer, live in dense habitats, its song and call have evolved
and evolutionary scientist, as in Semioptera wallacii, the to penetrate thick foliage with minimal attenuation.
Standardwing

Watkins i W AT-kinz-eye
After Henry Watkins, British collector, as in Grallaria watkinsi,
Watkins’s Antpitta Wetm o rethr aup is w et-m or-TH R A W-pis
After Frank Wetmore, American ornithologist and paleontologist,
Wetmorei W ET-mor-eye and thraupis, tanager, as in Wetmorethraupis sterrhopteron,
After Frank Wetmore, American ornithologist and paleontologist, the Orange-throated Tanager
as in Rallus wetmorei, the Plain-flanked Rail
Whiteheadi W H ITE-head-eye
After John Whitehead, British explorer, as in Urosphena whiteheadi,
Urosphena whiteheadi, the Bornean Stubtail (see box)
Bornean Stubtail
Whitelyi, -ana W H ITE-lee-eye/ana
After Henry Whitely, Jr, British collector, as in Setopagis whitelyi,
the Roraiman Nightjar

Whytii W ITE-ee-eye
After Alexander Whyte, British naturalist, as in Crithagra whytii,
the Yellow-browed Seedeater

Whitneyi JVIT-nee-eye
After Josiah Whitney, American geologist and explorer,
as in Pomarea whitneyi, the Fatuhiva Monarch

Wilsonia w il-SO W N -ee-a

After Alexander Wilson, father of American ornithology,
as in Wilsonia (now Cardellina)pusilla, Wilsons Warbler

Woodfordi, “i'A W O O D-ford-eye/wood-FORD-ee-a

After Charles Woodford, Resident Commissioner Solomon Islands,
as in Nesoclopeus woodfordi, Woodford’s Rail

213
XANTHOCEPHALUS

Xanthotis zan-T H O -tis

Greek, xanthos, yellow, and otis, eared, as in Xanthotisflaviventer,
the Tawny-breasted Honeyeater

Xantho cephalus zan-tho-se-FAL-us Xantusii zan-TOO S-ee-eye

Greek, xanthos, yellow, and Larin, cephala, head, as in Xanthocephalus After Louis Xantus de Vesey, Hungarian collector, as in Basilinna
xanthocephalus, the Yellow-headed Blackbird xantusii, Xantuss Hummingbird

Xanthogaster, -tra zan-tho-G A S-ter/tra Xavieri ZAY-vee-er-eye

Greek, xanthos, yellow, and gaster, belly, as in Eupbonia xanthogaster, After Xavier Dybowski, a French explorer, as in Phyllastrephus
the Orange-bellied Euphonia xavieri, Xaviers Greenbul

Xanthogenys zan-tho-jEN-is Xema Z E E -m a

Greek, xanthos, yellow, andgenys, cheek, as in Machlolophus A word created by the namer, as in Xema sabini, Sabine s Gull
xanthogenys, the Himalayan Black-lored Tit
Xenicus zEN-ih-kus
Xanthophrys zan-T H O -fris Greek, xenos, stranger, -icus, a suffix meaning of foreign places, as in
Greek, xanthos, yellow, and ophrus, eyebrow, as in Pseudonestor Xenicusgilviventris, the New Zealand Rock Wren; at the time the
xanthophrys, the Maui Parrotbill bird was named, New Zealand seemed very far away

Xanthops zA N -th o p s Xenopirostris zen-o-pi-RO SS-tris

Greek, xanthos, yellow, and ops, face, as in Alipiopsitta xanthops, Greek, xenos, stranger, opsis, appearance, as in Xenopirostris damii,
the Yellow-faced Parrot Van Dam’s Vanga

Xanthopsar zan-TH O P-sar Xenops zEN-ops

Greek, xanthos, yellow, and psar, starling, as in Xanthopsarflavus, Greek, xenos, strange, and ops, face or appearance, as in Xenops
the Saffron-cowled Blackbird minutus, the Plain Xenops, with a laterally flattened bill
with an upturned tip
Xanthopygius zan-tho -PI-jee-us
Greek, xanthos, yellow, and pugios, rumped, as in Crithagra Xenus zen -us
xanthopygius, the Yellow-rumped Seedeater Greek, xenos, stranger, as in Xenus cinereus, the Terek Sandpiper;
the long upcurved bill is unusual for sandpipers

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus, Xiphidiopicus zi-fi-dee-o-PYE-kus

Yellow-headed Blackbird Greek, xiphidion, small sword, and picus, woodpecker, as in
Xiphidiopicus percussus, the Cuban Green Woodpecker

Xiphocolaptes zy-fo-ko-LA P -teez

Greek, xiphos, sword, and colaptes, woodpecker, as in Xiphocolaptes
albicollis, the White-throated Woodcreeper

Xipholena zye-fo-LEN-a
Greek, xiphos, sword, and olene, arm, as in Xipholena lamellipennis,
the White-tailed Cotinga; the white primary feathers and the slightly
drooped wing posture probably account for the name

Xiphorhynchus zye-fo-RiNK-us
Greek, xiphos, sword, and Latin, rhynchus, bill, as in Xiphorhynchus
pardalotus, the Chestnut-rumped Woodcreeper

214
 YUNNANENSIS

Y
Yarrellii yar-REL-lee-eye
After William Yarrell, English bookseller and amateur
ornithologist, as in Spinusyarrellii, the Yellow-faced Siskin

Yaruqui YAR-u-quee
After Yaruqui, Ecuador, as in Phaethomisyaruqui,
the White-whiskered Hermit

Yelkouan YEL-koo -an

Turkish,yelkovan, wind-chaser, as in Puffinusyelkouan,
the Yelkouan Shearwater

Yemenensis ye-M EN -ensis

After Yemen, as in Linariayemenensis, the Yemen Linnet

LAT I N IN A C T I O N

Yucatanensis refers to the Yucatan Peninsula of

Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize, a rich tropical
environment with 564 known bird species, seven
of which are endemic (found nowhere else in the
world.) Several birds take their common names Yersini YER-sin-eye
from the area, such as the Yucatan Wren, After Alexandre Yersin, Swiss bacteriologist, as in
Yucatan Poorwi11,Yucatan Nightjar, Yucatan Jay, Trochalopteronyersini, the Collared Laughingthrush
Yucatan Woodpecker, and the Yucatan
Flycatcher (Myiarchus yucatanensis). Clearly, this Yncas i n k - us
area is a treasure trove for insectivorous birds as After the ancient rulers of Peru, as in Cyanocoraxyncas, the
Inca Jay, part of whose range is in the Peruvian Andes
there are 46 species of flycatchers in the family
Tyrannidae found there, and of course many
other insect eaters.The Yucatan Peninsula is also
Yucatanensis, -icus
yoo-ka-tan-E N -sis/you-ka-TA N -i-kus
a stepping-off point for migratory flycatchers and After Yucatan, Mexico, as in Myiarchusyucatanensis,
other birds heading to North America. Many the Yucatan Flycatcher (see box)
birds cross over 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) of
water from the Yucatan to the US and it has to Yuhina yoo-H IN E -a
be non-stop as there are no waypoints along the Nepalese, yuhin, as in Yuhina torqueola,
route.They arrive dehydrated and exhausted and the Indochinese Yuhina
no doubt some perish, but it has worked for
thousands of years, even for the tiny Ruby- Yunnanensis y oo-nan -EN-sis
After Yunnan, China, as in Sitta yunnanensis,
throated Hummingbird, Archilochus colubris.
the Yunnan Nuthatch

215
 A lexan d er W ilson
(1766-1813)
Awlexander Wilson is the most
well-known and highly regarded
Scottish-bom Alexander Wilson became a highly
regarded ornithologist and author/illustrator after
emigrating to the US in 1794.
ornithologist before John James
Audubon’s time. Wilson, born in
Paisley, Scotland, grew up poor. presumption when I tell you that
After leaving school at the age of I have seriously begun to make a
thirteen to work as a weaver and collection of drawings of the birds
cloth peddler in the Scottish to be found in Pennsylvania, or
countryside, he began seriously that occasionally pass through it:
writing poetry as well. His poetry twenty-eight, as a beginning,
became political and he ranted I send for your opinion.”
against the unfair treatment of Even though he shot many
weavers by their bosses. His written birds and kept many live specimens,
tirades landed him in hot water and a he still needed help in identification,
short stint in prison, so he eventually saved but his passion and work ethic convinced
enough money to escape to America where he his publisher to accept his proposal for a multiple-
expected more freedom of expression. Upon volume series called American Ornithology.
arriving at the age of 28, he picked up a gun and There was one major condition: that Wilson
started shooting birds as he had done in his sell subscriptions to pay for it.
journeys through Scotland. After wandering around After Volume I was produced, Wilson walked
Philadelphia and working at weaving, peddling, and and rode horseback thousands of miles trying to sell
printing, he finally found a post as a schoolteacher. subscriptions. He slept in the woods and in Indian
Wilson became acquainted with William villages, fending off a variety of hardships and
Bartram, a naturalist and talented artist, who drew illnesses. As he traveled, he observed and shot birds,
botanical and ornithological subjects. Wilson collecting perhaps two-thirds of the species east of
borrowed some of Bartram s paintings and learned the Mississippi River. In 1810 at the age of 44, in
to illustrate by copying them. He left his teaching Louisville, Kentucky, he tried to sell the plates to a
job and took on the task of revising a 22-volume storekeeper who apparently admired the work and
encyclopedia. This job provided a nice salary and was ready to subscribe but ultimately turned down
connections in the publishing world. He decided Wilson after conferring with the store’s senior
on a project to describe every bird in America, business partner. The storekeeper, 25-year-old
an ambitious effort for someone whose artistic John James Audubon, preferred to be outside
talents were still evolving and whose knowledge of shooting birds and drawing them himself rather than
American birds was just developing. As Wilson reading about them. A story has it that the senior
wrote to Bartram: “I dare say you will smile at my business partner whispered to Audubon in French
216
 A L E X A N D E R W I L SO N

(Audubon was born in Haiti) that his (Audubon’s)

art was much better than Wilson’s.
Audubon later claimed that he lent Wilson
several paintings. This may have been a ploy to
hide what many claim is plagiarism on Audubon’s
part. Several of Audubon’s birds are very close
copies of Wilson’s works, and a few dozen show
a distinct likeness.
From 1810 to 1812 Wilson completed a total
of six volumes of his book. He made copperplate
etchings that were composed of simple black lines on
white paper. All the coloration had to be done by
hand with watercolors. So each page, even though a
“reproduction,” was an original work of art. He tried
to find artists to help him with this work but most
did not meet his standards so he ended up doing Phalaropus tricolor,
most of the painting himself. Wilson’s Phalarope
As Wilson traveled, he cultivated some aristo­ Phalarope means coot-footed, describing the lobes on
cratic and moneyed friends who supported his the bird’s foot that help it when walking on muddy
endeavors and facilitated his travels. But overwork, ground and swimming.
constant travel, and various illnesses finally took their
toll; he died in 1813 at the age of 47, some say in
pursuit of a bird across a river. His legacy was the Journal of Ornithology. The WOS recognizes the
nine-volume American Ornithology (1808-1814), important role of the serious amateur in ornithology.
which illustrated 268 species of birds, 26 of which Several species of birds were named after
had not previously been known. This magnum opus Alexander Wilson, including Wilson’s Storm-petrel,
made him known as the Father of American Oceanites oceanicu-, Wilson’s Plover, Charadrius
Ornithology. wilsonia; Wilson’s Phalarope, Phalaropus tricolor;
The Wilson Ornithological Society was founded Wilson’s Snipe, Gallinago delicata-, and Wilson’s
in 1888 and publishes a quarterly journal, The Wilson Warbler, Cardellinapusilla.

"Particular species of birds, like different nations of men, have their congenial climes and

favorite countries; but wanderers are common to both; some in search o f better fare,

some o f adventures, others led by curiosity, and many driven by storms or accident."

Alexander Wilson, American Ornithology, or The Natural History

of the Birds of the United States

217
z
ZA M BESIA E

L A T I N I N A C T I O N

Zambesiae zam -BEEZ-ee-ee The White-throated Sparrow is aptly named as

Zonotrichia albicollis, the white-striped or zoned
After the Zambesi River, Africa, as in Prodotiscus zambesiae,
the Green-backed Honeybird small bird with a white neck. There are two
populations, one with a white crown and one
Zantholeuca zan-tho-LO Y-ka with a tan crown. Males of both crown colors
Greek, xantho, yellow, leukos, white, as in Erpomis zantholeuca, prefer white-crowned females, but females of
the White-bellied Erpornis both crown colors prefer males with tan striped
crowns. So both variations will continue to exist.
Zaratornis zar-a-TO R-nis
After Zarate, Argentina, and omis, bird, as in Zaratornis stresemanni,
the White-cheeked Cotinga

Zavattariornis za-vat-tar-ee-O R-nis Zeiedonia ze-le-D O N-ee-a

After Edoardo Zavattari, Italian zoologist and explorer, and omis, After Jose Zeledon, Costa Rican naturalist and collector,
bird, as in Zavattariornis stresemanni, Stresemann s Bushcrow as in Zeiedonia coronata, the Wrenthrush

Zebrilus ze-BRiL-us Zenaida zen-E H -da

French, zebre, zebra, and -ilus, diminutive, as in Zebrilus undulatus, After Princess Zenaide Bonaparte, as in Zenaida auriculata,
the Zigzag Heron the Eared Dove

Zimmeri, -ius ZIM -m er-eye/zim -M A R E -ee-us

After John Zimmer, American ornithologist, as in Scytalopus
zimmeri, Zimmer s Tapaculo

Zonerodius zo-ne-RO -dee-us

Greek, zone, band, and erodios, heron, as in Zonerodius heliosylus,
the Forest Bittern

Zonotrichia zo-no-TRIK-ee-a
Greek, zone, band, and trichias, small bird, as in Zonotrichia
albicollis, the White-throated Sparrow (see box)

Zoothera zoo-o-TH ER-a

Greek, zoon, animal, and theros, hunter, as in Zoothera dixoni,
the Long-tailed Thrush

Zosterops ZOS-ter-ops
Greek, zoster, girdle, and ops, appearance, as in Zosterops
senegalensis, the African Yellow White-eye

Zonotrichia albicollis,
White-throated Sparrow
 ZOSTEROPS

Z
osterops (ZOS-ter-ops) means
girdle eye, from the Greek zoster, Zosterops kikuyuensis,
Kikuyu White-eye
girdle, and ops, eye. Their common
name of white-eye or speirops group. In their roost, they perch
(Greek speira., circle, and ops) aptly so close together that the wings
describes the birds of this genus, and tails of neighboring birds often
with their wide ring of white overlap. Their need for social
feathers around the eyes. There are 98 interaction is so strong that
species of Zosterops, one of the largest they accept birds of other
genera in the bird world. They live in regions species, even other families, in their group. One
of sub-Saharan Africa, Asia/Indonesia, and evening roosting group in Thailand numbered
Australasia. Once thought to be related to over 1,000 birds!
nectar-feeding birds like honeyeaters because of their The Japanese White-eye, Z.japonicas, native
brush-like tongue, recent DNA evidence puts them to Asia and the Far East, has been introduced
closer to Old World warblers. elsewhere as a pet and for insect control, but has
These small birds, only 3-4 inches (10-12 become a pest itself. It is now the most common
centimeters) long and 0.3-0.5 ounces (10-12 grams) land bird in Flawaii.
in weight, have been very successful in a variety of Several species of white-eyes are threatened
habitats, climate zones, and altitudes. They are very by habitat destruction and the invasive Red-
good colonizers and easily invade disturbed habitats. whiskered Bulbul, Pycnonotusjocosus, that preys
The greatest number of white-eyes is found in the on their eggs.
Solomon Islands, which are home to 11 species, but
only one or two species exist on each island. Zosterops ficedutinus,
White-eyes are very social, congregating in flocks Principe or Sao Tome White-eye (pictured left)
as they move through habitats in search of food Islands in the Gulf of Guinea host Zosterops ficedulina on Principe
while constantly calling to each other. Members of and Zosterops feae on Sao Tome but they may be the same species.
the flock apparently develop close relationships;
ringing/banding studies have captured many of the
same birds in a flock year after year. Flocks are
sometimes small, but up to 500 birds have been
counted in a single group.
One of the reasons for white-eyes’ success is their
ability to enter a state of torpor at night, dropping
their body temperature about 41°F (5°C), resulting
in a halving of their metabolic rate. At dusk
white-eyes gather in small groups, but as darkness
approaches, these small groups coalesce into a larger
219
 Glossary
Binomial Family Nares
The scientific name that consists of The taxonomic category above genus; Nostrils
two words, the genus and species contains one or more genera
Onomatopoeia
Breast Foraging Words like chachalaca, hoopoe, or cuckoo
Area of the bird between the neck The behavior involved in finding food that imitate or suggest the sounds
and the abdomen associated with the bird
Furcula
Carina Dim. ofjurca, fork, fused clavicle bones Oology
Also known as the keel, the ventral that help anchor the breast muscles; The study ofeggs
extension of the sternum (breastbone) the wishbone
that serves as the anchor for the breast Operculum
muscles used in flight Gastroliths A flap of tissue that covers the nares
Small stones ingested and stored in the in some birds
Cere stomach to help grind food
Latin for wax, a waxystructure that Orbit
covers the base of the upper bill and Genera Cavity in the skull that contains the eye
usually contains the nares Plural ofgenus
Order
Covert Genus The category above family in the
A type of feather that covers the flight The category above species in the taxonomic hierarchy that contains one
and tail feathers (or the base of them) taxonomic hierachy; contains one or or more families
and the ears more species
Ornithologist
Crest Holotype A scientist who studies birds (omi, bird,
An extension of crown feathers above The single specimen designated as the and ology, the science of)
the head, either fixed or moveable type for naming a species
Palmate
Crown (or cap) Lamellae Having a shape similar to a hand; digits
The top of the head Strainer-like projections ofthe bill edges all extending from the same point
found in some waterfowl
Culmen Pelagic
The upper ridge of a birds beak Lobe Ocean going, feeding on the ocean
A rounded projection of a body part
Decurved as lobes on the toes of a foot Plumage
Downcurved, curving downward The layer of feathers that covers the bird
Malar and the arrangement, color, and pattern
Endemic Cheek area of those feathers
Native or restricted to a certain
country or area Mandible Primary feathers
The upper and lower part of the bill; Wing feathers attached to the hand of
Extant half(usually lower) of ajaw the bird and used for propulsion
Still living; not extinct
Nape
Back ofthe neck

220
 GLOSS ARY

Pygostyle Superciliary Uropygial gland

Fused caudal vertebrae to which the Over the eye The gland at the base of the
retrices (tail feathers) are attached; tail that produces oil; also called
colloquially, the popes (or parsons) nose Syndactyl the preen gland
Two or more digits fused together
Ramphotheca (syn, together, and dactyl, finger) Vent
The keratin covering of the jaws; the outer The common opening for
covering of the beak Systematics waste products
The study of the relationships of living things
Recurved Zygodactyl
Curved upward Taxonomy Two digits forward and two back
The science of classification and naming {zygo, yoke, and dactyl, finger)
Remige
Feathers of the arm involved in flight Tertiary Feathers
(i.e. propulsion and lift) Short, innermost flight feathers of the
wing that primarily serve to cover the gap
Retrices between the wing and the body in flight
Feathers of the tail
Trinomial
Rictal bristle The scientific name that consists
Modified feathers at the corner of the of three words: the genus, species,
mouth with a tactile sense and subspecies

Rostrum
The beak or bill

Rump
The area of the bird where the tail meets
the back of the bird

Scientific name
The binomial or trinomial name consisting
of genus, species, and sometimes subspecies

Secondary feathers
Wing feathers attached to the ulna
and used for lift

Semipalmate
Partly palmate; toes pardy webbed

Species
The basic unit of taxonomic
classification; a group of organisms
capable of interbreeding and
producing viable offspring

Specific epithet
Refers to the species part of the Campylopterus largipennis,
scientific name Gray-breasted Sabrewing (p. 21)

221
 B iblio g r a ph y

Adler, Bill (ed.). TheQuotable Birder. Gotch, A.F. Latin Names Explained. Moorwood, James. A Latin Grammar.
New York, New York. The Lyons London, UK. Cassel and Company, 1995. Oxford, UK. OUP, 1999.
Press, 2001. Gill, F & D Donsker (Eds). 2013. IOC
World Bird List (v 3.5). doi: 10.14344/ Rosenthal, ElizabethJ. Birdwatcher:
Arnott, W. Geoffrey. Birds in theAncient IOC.ML.3.5 TheLife ofRoger Tory Peterson.
Worldfrom A to Z. Oxford, England. Guilford, ConnecticutThe Globe Pequot
Roudedge, 2012. Gould, John. TheBirds ofGreatBritain, Press, 2008.
London, UK. Taylor and Francis, 1873.
Ayers, Donald M. Bioscientific Sibley, David Allen. The Sibley Guide
Terminology. Tucson, Arizona. The Gruson, Edward S. Wordsfor Birds. to Birds. New York, New York. Alfred A.
University ofArizona Press, 1972. New York, New York. Quadrangle Knopf, 2000.
Books, 1972
Beolens, Bo and Watkins, Michael. Whose Sibley, C. G. and Monroe, B. L.
Bird? New Haven, Connecticut and Harrison, Lorraine. Latinfor Gardeners. Distribution and Taxonomy ofBirds
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Bird, David M. TheBirdAlmanac.
Buffalo, New York, Firefly Books, 1999. Hill, Jen (ed.).An Exhilaration ofWings. Watts, Niki. The OxfordNew Greek
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Edition). Ithaca, NewYork. Cornell Jobling, James A. Helms Dictionary of Weidensaul, Scott. Ofa Feather.
University Press, 2007. Scientific Bird Names. London, UK. Orlando, Florida. Houghton-Mifflin
Christopher Helm (A&C Black), 2010. Harcourt, 2007.
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1917, Ibis 144 (2), 369-370,2002

del Hoyo, Josep, Elliott, Andrew, Sargatal,

Jordi (eds. vol. 1-7), and Christie, David
A. (ed. vol. 8-16). Handbook ofBirds j Websites
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Edicions, 1992-2011. j EnglishWord Information LatDict, Latin Dictionary on the web
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Ehrlich, Paul R., Dobkin, David S. i latin/caudata
Dobkin, and Wheye, Darryl. TheBirder’s I IOC World Bird List
Handbook. New York, New York. Simon | http://www.worldbirdnames.org MyEtymology
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j IUCN 2012. The IUCN Red List of
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Freeman and Co., 2007.

222
 C
redits and
A c k n o w led g em en ts

Picture Credits Acknowledgments

p. 27, bottom © Dorling Kindersley | Getty Images We would like to thank James Evans at Quid Publishing for
p. 46 © De Agostini | Getty Images working with us on the initial phases of the book. Via numerous
p. 47, top © Getty Images emails, we were led, encouraged, stimulated, and in some cases,
bottom © Linda Hall Library politely demanded of, by Lucy York who kept our proverbial feet to
p. 52, top © Encyclopaedia Britannica | UIG | Getty Images the fire and noses to the grindstone. She also did a yeomans job of
p. 54, top © Encyclopaedia Britannica | UIG | Getty Images editing and proofreading a very detailed tome. Ian Carter gave the
p. 58 © Dorling Kindersley | Getty Images work another fine-toothed comb-through with his detailed eye for
p. 59, top © Dorling Kindersley | Getty Images editing as well as ornithological expertise.
p. 67, top © Hein Nouwens | Shutterstock.com We also offer our thanks to Bo Boelens ofFatBirder.com,
p. 76 © Tony Wills | Creative Commons probably the best ornithological website on the internet, for his
p. 77, top © De Agostini | Getty Images freely given invaluable advice on birds and books.
bottom © Hein Nouwens | Shutterstock.com And we would like to thank our high school Latin teachers,
p. 90 © De Agostini | Getty Images who had a major influence on us in our careers and pleasures.
p. 94 Red-shouldered Vanga © H. Douglas Pratt We did not realize the benefit at the time, but such is the risk
p. 105 © De Agostini | Getty Images and value in educating the young.
p. 120, bottom © De Agostini | Getty Images Roger Lederer and Carol Burr
p. 146 © DEA PICTURE LIBRARY | Getty Images
p. 150 © Tony Wills | Creative Commons
p. 154 © Max Planck Gesellschaft | Creative Commons
p. 155, top © DEA PICTURE LIBRARY | Getty Images
bottom © karakotsya | Shutterstock.com
p. 170, botom © De Agostini | Getty Images
p. 190 © De Agostini | Getty Images
p. 191, top © Dorling Kindersley | Getty Images
bottom © Hein Nouwens | Shutterstock.com
p. 198 © Time & Life Pictures | Getty Images
p. 199, top © Encyclopaedia Britannica | UIG | Getty Images
p. 206, top © DEA PICTURE LIBRARY | Getty Images
p. 211, top © Duncan Walker | Getty Images

All images in this book are public domain unless

otherwise stated.

Every effort has been made to credit the copyright

holders of the images used in this book. We apologise for
any unintentional omissions or errors and will insert the
appropriate acknowledgment to any companies or
individuals in subsequent editions of the work.

223
X
W"ou can learn a lot about a bird from its
scientific name. The descriptive terms
that make up these names can identify spe­
cies by color, size, or distribution, and may
illuminate a hidden history or quality.

Latin for Bird Lovers uncovers the secrets

behind more than 3,000 scientific names.
It also delves into bird behavior and
reveals the fascinating discoveries of
ornithologists: one debunked the myth
that robins sing because they are happy,
. ^ . while another found that bird-
song is regionally distinctive.

JT Roger Lederer has published many

B books and papers in the field of orni-
r thology and maintains the popu­
lar website ornithology.com. Carol
Burr is an author, editor and artist
who recently illustrated The Birds
ofBidwell Park.

COVER DESIGN BY LAKEN WRIGHT.

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