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pyrrhuloxia

pyrrhuloxia

1 9.9
A crested grey-and-red songbird with a curved yellow beak from the southwestern United States and Mexico
  • noun
  • /ˌpɪrʊˈlɒksiə/
  • US
: pyrrhuloxia
  • The striking plumage of the pyrrhuloxia makes it a favorite among birdwatchers in the southwestern desert.

Examples

  • We spotted several pyrrhuloxias feeding on seeds near the cactus plants.

  • Unlike the northern cardinal, the pyrrhuloxia has a strongly curved yellow bill.

  • I spotted a pyrrhuloxia at the nature reserve.

  • The pyrrhuloxia is known for its unique song.

  • The male pyrrhuloxia is known for its vibrant red feathers and distinctive crest.

  • In the desert, we spotted a pyrrhuloxia perched on a cactus, singing its beautiful song.

  • Birdwatchers often seek to identify the pyrrhuloxia due to its unique coloration and habitat.

Surface Forms

pyrrhuloxia singular
pyrrhuloxias plural

Etymology

Pyrrhuloxia comes from Greek parts: pyrrh- meaning 'flame' or 'red' and -loxia meaning 'slanted' or 'crossed', a name used for birds with a crossed bill. So, the name fits today because the pyrrhuloxia is a grey-and-red songbird with a strongly curved yellow bill, similar to a small relative of the cardinal.