parula

[ par-yuh-luh, -uh-luh ]

noun

1. any of several American wood warblers of the genus Parula, especially P. americana northern parula, having bluish plumage with a yellow throat and breast.

Word History and Origins

Origin of parula¹

< New Latin Parula a genus name, alteration of Parulus an earlier genus name, equivalent to Late Latin pār ( us ) titmouse (akin to Latin parra a bird whose cry was considered a bad omen) + Latin -ulus -ule

Example Sentences

Its song bears a marked resemblance to that of the Parula and its call-note is said to be like the tchep of the Myrtle Warbler.

From Project Gutenberg

The call note is a chip, which Brewster calls “a soft tchip indistinguishable from that of Parula americana.”

From Project Gutenberg

Parula was extensively used as the generic name during the last century, and is now reinstated to replace Compsothlypis.

From Project Gutenberg

The migrating parula warbler is often seen in roadside trees and in shade trees in parks and gardens.

From Project Gutenberg

Occasionally, however, parasitic eggs are found in the dainty pensile nests of the Parula Warbler.

From Project Gutenberg