cape may warbler: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Ornithological
Quick answer
What does “cape may warbler” mean?
A small songbird (Setophaga tigrina) of the wood warbler family, with distinctive plumage and named after Cape May, New Jersey, where it was first scientifically described.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small songbird (Setophaga tigrina) of the wood warbler family, with distinctive plumage and named after Cape May, New Jersey, where it was first scientifically described.
A specific North American migratory bird species, known for its chestnut cheek patch, yellow rump, and streaked underparts, breeding in boreal forests and wintering in the Caribbean and parts of Central America.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is used identically in British and American English ornithology. A British birder might simply be less familiar with the species due to its rarity as a vagrant in the UK.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term connotes a specific, often sought-after bird by birdwatchers, especially in the UK where it is a rare visitor.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general English. Slightly higher frequency in American English within birding communities due to the bird's regular migration through eastern North America.
Grammar
How to Use “cape may warbler” in a Sentence
The [birdwatcher] observed a [Cape May warbler] [in the spruce tree].A [Cape May warbler] was [reported] [at the sanctuary].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cape may warbler” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Cape May warbler sighting caused great excitement among twitchers.
- He specialised in Cape May warbler migration patterns.
American English
- The Cape May warbler population appears stable.
- She documented typical Cape May warbler behavior.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in ornithology, ecology, and biology papers discussing avian migration, species distribution, or boreal forest ecosystems.
Everyday
Virtually never used except among birdwatchers (birders).
Technical
The primary context. Used in field guides, birding apps, scientific surveys, and conservation reports.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cape may warbler”
- Misspelling as 'Cap May warbler' or 'Cape May Warber'.
- Incorrect plural: 'Cape May warblers' (correct), not 'Cape May warbler'.
- Using it as a common noun, e.g., 'a cape may warbler' instead of 'a Cape May warbler' (capitalization required).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is named for the location where the first specimen was collected. While it migrates through the area, it is not particularly more common there than in other eastern migration hotspots.
It can be challenging. The male's chestnut cheek patch is distinctive, but females and immature birds are more subtly patterned and can be confused with other warbler species.
Its population numbers are closely tied to outbreaks of spruce budworm in its boreal breeding forests, making it an indicator species for the health of that ecosystem.
Yes. 'Cape May Warbler' is the standard form, though some style guides use lowercase for 'warbler' (Cape May warbler). Always capitalize 'Cape May' as it is a proper place name.
A small songbird (Setophaga tigrina) of the wood warbler family, with distinctive plumage and named after Cape May, New Jersey, where it was first scientifically described.
Cape may warbler is usually technical/ornithological in register.
Cape may warbler: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkeɪp ˈmeɪ ˈwɔːblə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkeɪp ˈmeɪ ˈwɔːrblər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny tiger (tigrina) wearing a cape, sailing to Cape May in May, singing a warble.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LIVING JEWEL (emphasizing its rarity and colorful beauty to birdwatchers).
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you most likely to encounter the term 'Cape May warbler'?