Regulus calendula

9.9

A very small North American bird whose male has a red patch on the top of the head and sings

noun
/ˈrɛɡjələs kəˈlɛndjʊlə/

Specialized

: Regulus calendula

Male Regulus calendula can be identified by their signature ruby-red crown patch.

Examples

During spring migration, birdwatchers listen eagerly for the melodic song of Regulus calendula.
The Regulus calendula is often spotted flitting energetically among the branches in North American forests.
Look at that Regulus calendula!
I spotted a Regulus calendula in the garden yesterday.
During spring migration, birdwatchers listen eagerly for the melodic song of Regulus calendula.
Male Regulus calendula can be identified by their signature ruby-red crown patch.
The Regulus calendula is often spotted flitting energetically among the branches in North American forests.

Synonyms

ruby-crowned kinglet

vsRegulus calendula

1 8.8

A small North American songbird with a red patch on the male's head

is the formal Latin name used for the same bird in scientific classification

Surface Forms

Regulus calendula singular

Regulus calendulas plural

Morphology

Regulus + calendula

This is a Latin binomial (a scientific species name) that functions as an arbitrary taxonomic label; its encyclopedic meaning ('ruby‑crowned kinglet') is not compositionally derived from the parts. The second element 'calendula' is not a common English word (no dictionary gloss) and even if a learner knew 'Regulus' as a genus, B1 learners would not be able to infer the specific species identity or attributes from these constituents, so the expression is not transparent.

Etymology

Regulus calendula gets its name from Latin words: Regulus means 'little king' and calendula may come from a word for a small, bright crown or flower. The tiny bird's red crown patch looks like a little king's ruby crown, so the name fits this small North American songbird.