Turdus Migratorius is a species of bird commonly known as the American Robin. The spelling of this word can be explained using phonetic transcription. "Turdus" is pronounced as "tərdəs" with a short "u" sound followed by a silent "s." "Migratorius" is pronounced as "maɪˈɡreɪtərɪəs" with the emphasis on the second syllable, and the vowel sound in "eye" followed by a short "a" sound. Overall, the spelling accurately reflects the pronunciation of this bird's scientific name.
Turdus migratorius, commonly known as the American Robin, is a medium-sized songbird that belongs to the Turdidae family of thrushes. This migratory bird is native to North America, with a wide distribution throughout Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
The American Robin is primarily recognized for its distinct appearance. It features a plump body with an average length of 9-11 inches (23-28 centimeters) and a wingspan of approximately 12-16 inches (30-40 centimeters). The male and female birds have similar physical characteristics, with a dark gray to blackish head, back, and tail, contrasted by a rich reddish-orange breast and underparts. They exhibit a white throat patch and a yellowish beak, along with dark eyes.
Turdus migratorius is known for its melodious song, which consists of a series of clear and sweet whistling notes. It is often heard during the breeding season as the males sing to establish territory and attract mates. This species is a highly adaptable bird, thriving in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, gardens, and urban areas.
Although generalized, this dictionary definition covers the key aspects of the American Robin, including its taxonomy, physical characteristics, distribution, vocal abilities, and adaptability.
The word Turdus migratorius is derived from Latin.
The first part, Turdus, translates to thrush in English. Thrushes are a type of passerine bird found in many parts of the world, known for their melodious songs. The Latin word turdus is believed to have its roots in the Proto-Indo-European word *tur-, meaning to chatter or to sing.
The second part, migratorius, is the Latin adjective form of migrator, which means migratory in English. This highlights the migratory nature of the species, as the American robin (Turdus migratorius) is known for its annual spring migration.
Therefore, Turdus migratorius can be translated as migratory thrush or the thrush that migrates.