138 DERIVATIONS OF THK NAMES OF BIRDS. 



turtur. From tur, Heb., the Turtle. The specific name of the Turtle Dove. 

 Perdix. TUf&lt, from vtplu to make a noise. So named from the noise they 



make in calling. Partridge. 

 Tetrao tetrix. Perhaps from the Latin adjective teter, dark, &c, on account 



of their colour. The Black Grous. 

 tetrix. Same derivation. The specific name of the Little Bustard. 

 Vanellus. Or from vannus a vane, on account of the noise and flutter of the 



wings. Lapwing. 

 Charadrius. XxpzSgios, from yxpx^x, an excavation or fissure, on account of 



their inhabiting the fissures of rocks. Plover. 

 Scolopax. 2xoXot?«|, from <rxoX<>4/ a stake, on account of their long bills. 



Woodcock and Snipe. 

 Ibis. I/3<y or iQxs, from i&w to cry out, because of its noisy cry. Ibis. 

 Grus. Ttpxvos, from geroa, Heb. Crane. 



Ciconia. From the Cicones, a people of Thrace, who hold this bird in vene- 

 ration. Stork. 

 Larus. Axpos, from Xxu to covet, because of their rapacity. Gull. 

 Cygnus. Kvmos, from x.v.uxu to disturb, on account of the great disturbance 



they make in the water with their bill in search of food. Swan. 

 Anser. Anser. From anza, Syr. Goose. 

 Anas. Anas. Nwo-a, from nu to swim, a nando. Duck. 

 Querquedula. Named from its cry. The specific name of the Gargany. 

 The following names occur in my list, but are not given by Mr. Morris ; they 

 are principally specific names. 



Phalacrocorax. $xXxx%o>topxj;, from QxXxxgos bald, and xofa£ a Crow, because 



the top of the head is white and appears bald. Cormorant. 

 argentatus. From argentum, silver. 



arquata. Ab acuata rostri forma, from the curved form of the bill. 

 acutus. Acule, from aeuo to sharpen. 

 cannabina. From Canna, a Reed. 



canus. Xacifos, from vakan, Heb., an old man. Grey-haired or headed. 

 fistularis. From fistula, a pipe. 

 ictinus. Ixt'vos, from mrxp, very quick. 

 igneus. Fiery, bright. 

 lanarius. From lana, wool. Woolly, &c. 

 lotor. A washer. 



Nisus. Niza, from nazah, Heb., to fly. 

 Pygargus. Tlvyxpyos, from mvpx the rump, and ecpyos white. 

 rupestris. From rupes, a rock or hill. 

 solitaris. From solus alone. Solitary. 



