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rufous

rufous

7.6
A bird or animal with a reddish brown color
  • noun
  • /ˈruːfəs/
translation icon : rufoso
  • Birdwatchers were excited to spot a rare rufous during the early morning walk.

Examples

  • The guide pointed out a rufous perched quietly among the leaves.

  • A flash of color revealed the presence of a rufous in the dense undergrowth.

  • The bird had a beautiful rufous plumage.

  • I spotted a rufous hummingbird in the garden.

  • While hiking, I saw a rufous bird resting on a branch in the sunlight.

  • The nature reserve is home to several species, including the rufous which is known for its stunning color.

  • During our birdwatching trip, we were thrilled to catch a glimpse of the rufous in its natural habitat.

Synonyms

reddish brown
vsrufous
1 2.5

A brown color with a slight red tint

also describes animals or birds having that coloring

Antonyms

12 2.9

Having very little or no color

Compounds

rufous rubber cup
  • Specialized
9.9

A small reddish-brown cup-shaped mushroom that grows on dead wood

How Reddish-Brown

chestnut
4 2.9
auburn
64 3.9
rufous
7.6
brown
939 1.0

Surface Forms

rufous singular
rufouses plural

Etymology

Rufous as a noun names something that is 'reddish-brown', especially a bird or animal with that colour, and it comes from Latin rufus meaning 'red'. A helpful way to remember it is to think of the name Rufus for a red-haired person, which shows why a 'rufous' is that warm red-brown colour.