spinus

Thân thiện

A small spinus perches on a thin branch.

Definition

Noun 1. A taxonomic group within the finch family: In some biological classifications, Spinus is considered a subgenus or genus comprising certain small finches, specifically siskins and New World goldfinches.

Usage Notes

• The term Spinus is used primarily in scientific or ornithological (bird-related) contexts.
• Its taxonomic status (whether it is a full genus or a subgenus) can vary between different classification systems.
• It specifically refers to a group of birds known for their pointed bills, forked tails, and often bright yellow plumage in males.

Examples

• The American goldfinch () is a common backyard bird.
• Ornithologists debated whether to classify the pine siskin within the genus or .
• Many birds in the group have distinctive flight calls.

Advanced Usage

• In binomial nomenclature: appears as the genus name in the scientific names of species (e.g., , the Lesser Goldfinch).
• In phylogenetic studies: The name is used when discussing the evolutionary relationships among finches.

Variants and Related Words

• Siskin: A common name for several species within , such as the pine siskin.
• New World goldfinch: A common name for American goldfinch species within , distinguishing them from European goldfinches.
• Carduelis: A closely related genus of finches; is sometimes considered part of this genus.

Synonyms

• (As a group): New World siskins and goldfinches (descriptive synonym, not a taxonomic one).

Học thuật

Noun

1. in some classifications considered a subgenus of Carduelis: siskins and New World goldfinches

Từ đồng nghĩa

• Spinus
• genus Spinus