phainopepla

American  

[fey-ahy-noh-pep-luh, fey-uh-] / feɪˌaɪ noʊˈpɛp lə, ˌfeɪ ə- /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of phainopepla

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

Example Sentences

In the case of the phainopepla, no hopes that could be raised by his cognomen would equal the rare pleasure afforded by a study of his unusual ways.

From A-Birding on a Bronco by Merriam, Florence A.

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

From A-Birding on a Bronco by Merriam, Florence A.

But though the phainopepla was most watchful, he was open to conviction, and he and his mate at last concluded that I meant them no harm.

From A-Birding on a Bronco by Merriam, Florence A.

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

From A-Birding on a Bronco by Merriam, Florence A.

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

From A-Birding on a Bronco by Merriam, Florence A.