ferruginous Hear it!

ferruginous Definition

fer·ru·gi·nous (fə ro̵̅o̅′ji nəs)

adjective

  1. of, containing, or having the nature of, iron
  2. having the color of iron rust; reddish-brown

Etymology: L ferruginus < ferrugo, iron rust, color of iron rust < ferrum, iron: see ferro-

ferruginous Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • pygmy-owl: We soon solved the mystery for there was a fine Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl in all its glory.
  • duck: The sun shone on a group of 26 ferruginous duck flying passed the boat.
  • buzzard: For their body size, Ferruginous Buzzards have relatively small feet, which limits the size of prey that they can catch.
  • flycatcher: We also located several more Ferruginous Flycatchers, but the audible Oriental Cuckoos always remained distant and out of sight.
  • hawk: Golden eagles and ferruginous hawks have nested in the vicinity of Downey Lake.
  • mineral: These sands display a wide range of colors, because of the ferruginous minerals.