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

Surely if I could wait an hour for an ordinary hummingbird, I could wait a morning for an absent phainopepla.

From Project Gutenberg

The phainopepla worked busily for some time, flying rapidly back and forth with material.

From Project Gutenberg

The male phainopepla seemed to enjoy life in general and his work in particular.

From Project Gutenberg

In the family, Phainopepla and Phainoptila show the least flaring in this region.

From Project Gutenberg

Phainopepla has various call notes, and in addition, a succession of notes which are run together.

From Project Gutenberg