HYLOCICHLA MUSTELINA Meaning and
Definition
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Hylocichla mustelina, commonly known as the wood thrush, is a species of migratory songbird belonging to the family Turdidae. With a length ranging from 16-20 centimeters (about 6-8 inches) and a weight of approximately 48 grams (1.7 ounces), the wood thrush is a medium-sized bird characterized by its olive-brown upperparts and creamy-white underparts adorned with bold dark-brown spots.
This species is primarily found in deciduous and mixed forests across eastern North America, displaying a neotropical migratory behavior. Breeding in the eastern part of the continent, it winters in the southern regions of Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.
Known for its beautiful and complex song, the wood thrush is often considered one of the finest singers among North American birds. Its call consists of a series of flute-like notes and a resonant cardinal phrase, creating a distinctive, ethereal melody.
The wood thrush feeds primarily on insects, worms, and berries, foraging on the forest floor using its sharp eyesight and probing beak. It usually nests on horizontal branches or forks in trees, constructing a cup-shaped nest made of grasses, leaves, and mud, lined with fine plant fibers and rootlets.
Due to habitat loss caused by deforestation and the fragmentation of their breeding grounds, this species faces numerous threats, leading to population declines. Conservation efforts focusing on protecting and restoring forests are crucial to the survival of the wood thrush and its unique vocal talents.
Common Misspellings for HYLOCICHLA MUSTELINA
- gylocichla mustelina
- bylocichla mustelina
- nylocichla mustelina
- jylocichla mustelina
- uylocichla mustelina
- yylocichla mustelina
- htlocichla mustelina
- hglocichla mustelina
- hhlocichla mustelina
- hulocichla mustelina
- h7locichla mustelina
- h6locichla mustelina
- hykocichla mustelina
- hypocichla mustelina
- hyoocichla mustelina
- hylicichla mustelina
- hylkcichla mustelina
- hyllcichla mustelina
- hylpcichla mustelina
Etymology of HYLOCICHLA MUSTELINA
The word "Hylocichla mustelina" is the scientific name for the wood thrush, a species of bird found in North America. The etymology of this term can be broken down as follows:
1. Hylocichla: This word comes from the Greek terms "hylo" which means "woods" or "forest", and "cichla" which means "thrush". Therefore, "Hylocichla" can be translated as "wood thrush", referring to the habitat preference of this bird species.
2. Mustelina: The specific epithet "mustelina" is derived from the Latin word "mustela" which means "weasel". It is given to the wood thrush due to the spotted or speckled appearance on its chest resembling the markings found on a weasel.
