Icterus galbula
- proper noun
- Specialized
- The Icterus galbula is easily recognized by its striking orange and black feathers.
Examples
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The Icterus galbula is a striking bird known for its vibrant colors.
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In scientific literature, the Icterus galbula is often studied for its nesting habits.
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Birdwatchers travel long distances to catch a glimpse of the Icterus galbula during migration.
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Have you ever seen an Icterus galbula in the wild?
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Birdwatchers travel long distances to catch a glimpse of the Icterus galbula during migration.
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In scientific literature, the Icterus galbula is often studied for its nesting habits.
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The Icterus galbula is easily recognized by its striking orange and black feathers.
Synonyms
A bright orange and black songbird found in the eastern United States
Surface Forms
Morphology
This is a Latin binomial (genus + species) and, given the constituents 'Icterus' (orioles) and 'Galbula' (a bird genus), a learner who knows those words can infer it refers to a kind of bird (an oriole). However, recognizing the precise common-name referent (the Baltimore oriole) and the conventions of scientific names requires specialist knowledge, so the connection is only partial.
Etymology
Icterus galbula may come from old words meaning 'yellow' and 'small bird'. Icterus means 'yellow' and galbula means 'small yellow bird'. Because the real bird is the bright orange-and-black 'Baltimore oriole', the name points to its bright color.