indigo bird

Thân thiện

A small indigo bird perches on a sunflower stalk.

Definition

Noun: 1. A small North American songbird with deep blue plumage: "Indigo bird" is a common name for a specific species of small passerine bird, the Passerina cyanea, known for the vibrant indigo blue coloration of the male, especially during the breeding season. It is a type of bunting.

Usage and Examples

• The indigo bird is a common sight in fields and along roadsides in the eastern United States during summer.
• We set up a feeder hoping to attract an indigo bird.
• The brilliant blue of the male indigo bird is stunning in direct sunlight.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in birdwatching (ornithology) contexts and regional common names. In more formal or scientific contexts, the full name "indigo bunting" is preferred.
• "Indigo bird" as a descriptive compound: While functioning as a name, the term descriptively highlights the bird's most notable feature—its indigo color.

Variants and Related Words

• Indigo bunting (n): The standard and more widely used common name for the same species (). This is the preferred term in field guides.
• Bunting (n): A general term for a group of small, seed-eating songbirds in the families Cardinalidae or Emberizidae, to which the indigo bird belongs.

Synonyms

• Indigo bunting: The direct synonym and more precise common name.
• Blue bunting: A less common regional name referencing its color.

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically refers to the species. It should not be confused with other blue-colored birds, such as the blue grosbeak or eastern bluebird.
• The female indigo bird is not blue but is predominantly brown with subtle streaks, which is a key identification point. The term "indigo bird" in general usage often implicitly refers to the brightly colored male.

Học thuật

Noun

1. small deep blue North American bunting

Từ đồng nghĩa

• indigo bunting
• indigo finch
• Passerina cyanea