Emberiza

/ɛmbəˈraɪzə/ noun

Definition

A genus of small seed-eating birds in the bunting family, common across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Etymology

From Italian 'imbezzare' or similar Romance language sources, possibly from a Germanic language through medieval Latin. The genus was formally named in the 18th century by Linnaeus following binomial nomenclature conventions.

Kelly Says

Emberiza birds are the inspiration for genetic studies on bird migration—scientists tracked how different populations of the same species navigate to different wintering grounds using inherited, internal magnetic maps, without ever being taught by parents.

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