phainopepla

[ fey-ahy-noh-pep-luh, fey-uh- ]

noun

1. a crested passerine bird, Phainopepla nitens, of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.

Word History and Origins

Origin of phainopepla¹

< New Latin, equivalent to Greek phaín ( ein ) to give light, shine + -o- -o- + New Latin -pepla, feminine derivative of Greek péplos peplos; -a ²

Example Sentences

While in the area, I like to hike the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail at Anza Borrego Desert State Park because of the flowing creek and the possibility of seeing the majestic Peninsular bighorn sheep and birds such as verdin, phainopepla and roadrunners.

From Los Angeles Times

While in the area, I like to hike the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail at Anza Borrego Desert State Park because of the flowing creek and the possibility of seeing the majestic Peninsular bighorn sheep and birds such as verdin, phainopepla and roadrunners.

From Los Angeles Times

The phainopepla migrates from southern California to the desert southwest to breed in the spring before flying to California coastal woodlands to breed again in summer.

From Scientific American

Dchūrr, dchūrr; when flying, a shrill huit like call-note of Phainopepla.

From Project Gutenberg

A phainopepla's nest right on my own doorsill!

From Project Gutenberg