Carduelis flammea
- noun
- Specialized
:
Carduelis flammea
- The Carduelis flammea is easily identified by its distinctive red crown and rosy breast.
Examples
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During winter, flocks of Carduelis flammea are often seen feeding on birch seeds.
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The Carduelis flammea is often seen in flocks during winter.
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Birdwatchers were excited to spot a rare Carduelis flammea among the sparrows.
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The Carduelis flammea is easily identified by its distinctive red forehead.
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Did you spot the Carduelis flammea at the bird feeder?
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Birdwatchers were excited to spot a rare Carduelis flammea among the sparrows.
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During winter, flocks of Carduelis flammea can often be seen feeding on birch seeds.
Synonyms
1
9.8
A small bird like a sparrow with a red patch on its head found in northern places
How Colorful
7
4.1
3
5.8
- Specialized
- Specialized
38
1.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
Carduelis + flammea
This is a Latin scientific binomial rather than a compositional English phrase; a B1 learner who knows the given constituents would not reliably derive the species meaning because 'flammea' is not an English word (and is listed as not found). Although 'flammea' may etymologically relate to 'flame' and reddish coloration, that Latin-derived link is not transparent to typical learners, so the overall expression is unpredictable from its parts.
Etymology
Carduelis flammea comes from old Latin words: Carduelis was a name for small seed-eating finches and flammea means 'flame-coloured'. That's why the small finch has a bright red crown and rosy breast, so the name fits.