Birds Calgary

Introduction

Recently, while birding in the mountains of Calgary, I had the pleasure of listening to the enchanting song of the Varied Thrush. Its unique and unusual song sparked a discussion among my birding friends about the beauty of birds and the inadequacy of their names in capturing their splendor. This led us to delve into the world of Latin names and the fascinating realm of taxonomy and etymology. While some birders may overlook the scientific names of birds, I found them to be intriguing, although admittedly challenging to fully comprehend. If you are a lover of language and enjoy unraveling the mysteries behind these names, then this article is for you. However, if you find it overwhelming, rest assured that you are not alone.

Taxonomy: The Classification of Species

All birds belong to the Animal Kingdom (Animalia), the Chordata Phylum (which includes organisms with a backbone), and the Class Aves (birds). However, beyond these basic similarities, birds diverge into various Orders, such as Falconiformes (hawks and eagles) and Passeriformes (Passerines). Each Order is then further divided into Families, such as Parulidae (Wood-Warblers). After the Families, come the subdivisions of Genus and Species, which are used in the bird’s scientific name as binomial nomenclature to describe the species. For example, the scientific name of a Red-breasted Nuthatch is Sitta canadensis. The word ‘Sitta’ represents the nuthatches genus, while ‘canadensis’ specifically describes the Red-breasted Nuthatch. By using this classification system, scientists worldwide can easily identify and communicate about specific bird species.

Etymology: The Origin of Names

The study of the origin of words, or etymology, can be a captivating endeavor. Exploring the etymology of bird names reveals intriguing insights into their characteristics and behaviors. For instance, the scientific name of the Red-necked Grebe is Podiceps grisegena. The genus name, Podiceps, is derived from the Latin words ‘podi’ meaning ‘rump’ and ‘ceps’ meaning ‘foot.’ This refers to the posterior position of the grebe’s feet. The species name, grisegena, comes from the Latin words ‘griseus’ meaning ‘gray’ and ‘gena’ meaning ‘cheek.’ Therefore, when we examine the complete scientific name, we can infer that it describes a bird with a gray cheek and a rump-like foot, which is quite descriptive of the Red-necked Grebe’s appearance.

Examples of Bird Names and Their Meanings

Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)

The scientific name of the Black-crowned Night Heron provides us with insights into its characteristics. The genus name, Nycticorax, is derived from the Greek words ‘nyctos’ meaning ‘night’ and ‘corax’ meaning ‘a crow.’ Thus, the scientific name can be translated to ‘night crow,’ which accurately depicts the bird’s nocturnal habits and its resemblance to a crow.

Gadwall (Anas strepera)

The scientific name of the Gadwall sheds light on its behavior. The genus name, Anas, is derived from the Latin word meaning ‘a duck.’ The species name, strepera, comes from the Latin word meaning ‘noisy.’ Therefore, the scientific name translates to ‘noisy duck,’ which might surprise some birders who may not have associated the Gadwall with being particularly vocal.

Barrow’s Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica)

The scientific name of the Barrow’s Goldeneye unveils its unique attributes. The genus name, Bucephala, originates from the Greek words ‘bous’ meaning ‘bull’ and ‘kephale’ meaning ‘head.’ The species name, islandica, refers to ‘of Iceland.’ Thus, when we combine these elements, we arrive at the interpretation of ‘Bull-head of Iceland,’ which aptly captures the distinctive appearance of this bird.

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

The scientific name of the Bald Eagle reveals its habitat and appearance. The genus name, Haliaeetus, is derived from the Greek words ‘halos’ meaning ‘the sea’ and ‘aetos’ meaning ‘eagle.’ The species name, leucocephalus, consists of the Greek words ‘leukos’ meaning ‘white’ and ‘cephalus’ meaning ‘head.’ Therefore, the scientific name can be translated as ‘White-headed Sea Eagle,’ accurately depicting the majestic bird’s physical characteristics and its preference for coastal areas.

Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla)

The scientific name of the Least Sandpiper provides a concise description of the bird. The genus name, Calidris, originates from the Greek words meaning ‘a gray speckled sandpiper.’ The species name, minutilla, is derived from the Latin word meaning ‘very small.’ Thus, the scientific name conveys the bird’s appearance as a small, gray speckled sandpiper, emphasizing its diminutive size.

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris)

The scientific name of the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher showcases its feeding habits and physical attributes. The genus name, Empidonax, comes from the Greek words meaning ‘King of the gnats.’ The species name, flaviventris, consists of the Latin words meaning ‘yellow-bellied.’ Hence, the scientific name portrays this bird as the ‘Yellow-bellied King of the gnats.’

Tennessee Warbler (Vermivora peregrina)

The scientific name of the Tennessee Warbler provides insights into its behavior. The genus name, Vermivora, is derived from the Latin words meaning ‘worm’ and ‘eater.’ The species name, peregrina, originates from the Latin word meaning ‘to wander.’ Therefore, the scientific name suggests a bird that feeds on worms and exhibits a propensity for wandering.

Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus)

The scientific name of the Lark Sparrow offers insights into its diet and appearance. The genus name, Chondestes, originates from the Greek words meaning ‘grain eater.’ The species name, grammacus, comes from the Greek word meaning ‘striped.’ Thus, the scientific name aptly describes the bird as a ‘Striped Grain Eater.’

Appreciating Scientific Names

While some scientific names may seem perplexing or unrelated at first glance, understanding their etymology can enhance our appreciation and understanding of bird species. The Latin names provide us with valuable information about their characteristics, behaviors, and habitats. For instance, knowing that the Gadwall’s Latin name means ‘noisy duck’ might inspire us to pay closer attention to its vocalizations during our birding adventures. Similarly, the intriguing name of the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher as the ‘Yellow-bellied King of the gnats’ adds a layer of fascination to our encounters with this species.

By delving into the etymology of scientific names, we gain a deeper connection with the natural world, unraveling the stories behind each bird’s name. It allows us to appreciate the thought and meaning that went into their classification, and it opens doors to further exploration and knowledge. So, the next time you encounter a bird species, take a moment to ponder its scientific name and let it enrich your birding experience.