What feature inspired the species epithet verticalis for Tyrannus verticalis?
Answer
Pale or whitish edging on the inner webs of the tail feathers visible in flight
The species epithet *verticalis*, meaning 'vertical' in Latin, is specifically linked to a distinctive visual marker observed when the Western Kingbird is flying. When the bird fans its tail, the pale or nearly white edging present on the inner webs of the tail feathers creates a striking, conspicuous vertical pattern against the darker sections of the tail. This feature serves as a key visual identifier.
Related Questions
Which Kingdom does the Western Kingbird, Tyrannus verticalis, belong to?What characteristic defines the Phylum Chordata for Tyrannus verticalis?What features define the Class Aves for the Western Kingbird?What specialized foot adaptation is characteristic of Order Passeriformes?What is the defining feeding strategy of Family Tyrannidae members like T. verticalis?What Latin word gives the Genus Tyrannus its name reference?What feature inspired the species epithet verticalis for Tyrannus verticalis?How does the tail appearance distinguish Tyrannus verticalis from T. vociferans?Where is the Family Tyrannidae geographically restricted?Besides the pale tail edging, what other identifiers separate T. verticalis?