Carduelis spinus
- noun
- Specialized
:
Carduelis spinus
- The distinctive markings of the Carduelis spinus make it easy to identify among other finches.
Examples
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During the winter, flocks of Carduelis spinus can often be seen feeding on birch seeds.
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Birdwatchers were excited to spot a Carduelis spinus in the park during migration season.
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The Carduelis spinus is known for its vibrant yellow feathers.
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I spotted a Carduelis spinus in my backyard yesterday.
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Birdwatchers were excited to spot a Carduelis spinus in the park during migration season.
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During the winter, flocks of Carduelis spinus can often be seen feeding on birch seeds.
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The distinctive markings of the Carduelis spinus make it easy to identify among other finches.
Synonyms
A small yellow and black bird with a thin pointed beak that eats seeds
How Colorful
7
4.1
- Specialized
- Specialized
39
1.6
38
1.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
This is a Latin binomial combining two genus names; a learner who knows 'Carduelis' and 'Spinus' can infer it refers to a kind of finch (i.e. a taxonomic name). However, the exact species identity and specific features (Eurasian siskin, yellow-and-black) are specialized and not fully predictable from the parts alone, so the relation is only partially transparent.
Etymology
Carduelis spinus comes from old names for birds that live on 'thistles' and near 'thorns'. The part Carduelis may come from Latin for 'thistle' because these finches eat thistle seeds, and spinus may come from a word for 'thorn' or 'small', which fits this little yellow-and-black finch that often feeds on seeds.