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Glite Dictionary
Colaptes auratus

Colaptes auratus

9.9
A large woodpecker in eastern North America with a red neck and yellow undersides on its wings and tail
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Colaptes auratus
  • The distinctive yellow feathers help birders identify Colaptes auratus in the field.

Examples

  • The Colaptes auratus is often spotted foraging for ants on lawns.

  • Researchers are studying the migration patterns of Colaptes auratus across the continent.

  • I saw a Colaptes auratus in the park yesterday.

  • The Colaptes auratus is known for its distinctive call.

  • Bird watchers often enjoy observing the colorful Colaptes auratus while it feeds on insects in backyards.

  • In spring, the Colaptes auratus returns to northern regions to build its nests in trees.

  • The Colaptes auratus is easily recognized by its black spots and unique yellow underwings.

Synonyms

flicker
vsColaptes auratus
  • US
1 7.4

A large woodpecker with brown spotted feathers that often feeds on the ground

is the specific yellow-necked bird with yellow undersides to wings and tail
yellowhammer
vsColaptes auratus
  • US
9.9

A large North American woodpecker with a red neck and yellow underwings and tail

is the formal species name used scientifically rather than a common name
yellow-shafted flicker
vsColaptes auratus
  • US
9.9

A large woodpecker with yellow feathers under its wings and tail and a red patch on its neck

is the official binomial name for the same bird rather than this common label

Surface Forms

Colaptes auratus singular
Colaptes auratuses plural

Morphology

Colaptes + auratus

The name is compositional: 'Colaptes' denotes a genus of flicker woodpeckers and 'auratus' (Latin for 'golden' or 'gilded') describes a property of the species, so together they denote the golden/northern flicker. For a learner who knows both constituents (including the Latin epithet), the species meaning is directly derivable from the parts, even though recognizing Latin morphology may require extra knowledge.

Etymology

Colaptes auratus is a Latin name that may come from old words meaning Colaptes 'pecker' and auratus 'golden', painting a simple picture of a bird that pecks wood and shows yellow or golden feathers. That's why the name fits the northern flicker today.