Research Article - (2012) Volume 2, Issue 1
1Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
2Islamic Azad University, Mahabad branch, Mahabad, Iran
3Islamic Azad University, Urmia branch, Urmia, Iran
4Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, Shabestar branch, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar, Iran
A major potation of this study is devoted to presenting almost all main ornithological genera and species described in Gilanprovince, located in Northern Iran. The bird names have been listed and classified according to the scientific codes. An etymological study has been presented for scientific names, including genus and species. If it was possible we have provided the etymology of Persian and Gilaki native names of the birds. According to our best knowledge, there was no previous report gathering and describing the ornithological fauna of this part of the world. Gilan province, due to its meteorological circumstances and the richness of its animal life has harbored a wide range of animals. Therefore, the nomenclature system used by the natives for naming the animals, specially birds, has a prominent stance in this country. Many of these local and dialectal names of the birds have been entered into standard language of the country (Persian language). The study has presented majority of comprehensive list of the Gilaki bird names, categorized according to the ornithological classifications.
Ornithology, language study, etymology, scientific nomenclature, Iranian languages, Gilaki
One of the main members of the northwestern Iranian language branch of Caspian languages, is Gilaki language (also Guilaki), which is spoken in the Gīlān Province of Iran. The language has been divided into three dialects, namely Eastern Gilaki, Western Gilaki, and Galeshi (in the mountains of Gilan). Furthermore, the Gilaki language is closely related to Mazanderani, and the two languages have similar vocabularies. The western and eastern dialects are separated by the Sefid River. According to Ethnologue, there were more than 3 million native speakers of Gilaki in 1993 (see Table 1). Gilaki also shares many features and structures with the Talysh language and with Zazaki which the latter mainly spoken in Turkey. There are some grammatical differences between Gilaki and standard Persian, especially in possessive and adjectives. Unlike Persian, most possessives and adjectives precede the head noun, similar to English [1].
Table 1: Description of Gilaki language [2].
In this study, we have investigated almost all main ornithological genera and species described in Gilan province, located in Northern Iran. The bird names have been listed and classified according to the scientific codes. An etymological study has been presented for scientific names, including genus and species. According to our best knowledge, there was no previous report gathering and describing the ornithological fauna of this part of the world. Gilan province, due to its meteorological circumstances and the richness of its animal life has harbored a wide range of animals. Therefore, the nomenclature system used by the natives for naming the animals, specially birds, has a prominent stance in this country. Many of these local and dialectal names of the birds have been entered into standard language of the country (Persian language). In this study, we have presented an almost comprehensive list of the Gilaki bird names, categorized according to the ornithological classifications.
Having investigation for this case, the researchers have utilized of listing and classification of the Bird names based on the scientific codes for all main ornithological genera and species that is an etymological study in Gilan province located in Northern Iran. If it was possible we have provided the etymology of Persian and Gilaki native names of the birds which it is an almost comprehensive list of the Gilaki bird names, categorized according to the ornithological classifications.
There is a list of the Gilaki bird names, categorized according to the ornithological classifications.
[1] Ābchilīk
Persian name: Ābchelīk
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae
Guilakī Ābchilīk, probably from āb water + chilīk, relates to Persian charak wanderer, from charīdan to pasture.
Tringa ochropus (L.); Green Sandpiper
Persian name: Ābchelīk
Tringa—Modern L. tringa name given by Aldrovandus (1599), from Gr. trungas thrush-sized, white-rumped
wading bird that bobs its tail, mentioned by Aristotle, not further identified, but taken by later authors to be a
sandpiper, wagtail, or dipper [3].
ochropus—formed from Gr. ōkhros pale yellow, ochre + Gr. pous foot [4].
Persian Ābchelīk, probably from āb water + chelīk, originally charak wanderer, from charīdan to pasture.
Tringa erythropus; Spotted Redshank
Persian name: Ābchelīk-e-dūdī
Tringa—Mod. L. tringa name given to the Green Sandpiper T. ochropus by Aldrovandus (1599), from Gr. trungas
thrush-sized, white-rumped wading bird that bobs its tail, mentioned byAristotle [3].
erythropus—Gr. eruthropous red-footed, formed from Gr. eruthros red + Gr. pous foot [5].
Tringa totanus; Common Redshank
Persian name: Ābchelīk-e-pāsorkh
totanus—Italian Tótano name of this species [3].
Tringa stagnatilis; Marsh Sandpiper
Persian name: Ābchelīk-e-tālābī
stagnatilis—L. stagnatilis of or belonging to pools or ponds, from L. stagnum pool, swamp, fen [6].
Tringa nebularia; Common Greenshank
Persian name: Ābchelīk-e-pāsabz
nebularia—from L. nebula mist; Norwegian name Skoddefoll mist-foal, for the Common Greenshank, alluding to its
misty, marshy habitat and supposed whinnying cries [3].
Tringa glareola; Wood Sandpiper
Persian name: Ābchelīk-e-khāldār
glareola——dimunitive form of L. glarea gravel [6].
[2] Ābe-kākāyī
Persian name: Kākāyī-nūk-sabz, Morgh-e-nowrūzī
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Laridae
Larus canus; Mew Gull
Larus—L. larus rapacious seabird, probably a gull, from Gr. laros gull or some other seabird [3].
canus—L. canus grey, hoary [6].
[3] Ābe-qopel
Persian name: Bāklān
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocorax carbo; Great Cormorant
Persian name: Bāklān-e-bozōrg
Phalacrocorax—L. phalacrocorax cormorant, from Gr. phalakrokorax cormorant, formed from Gr. phalakros baldheaded
+ Gr. korax raven [3].
carbo—L. carbo charcoal [6].
Phalacrocorax nigrogularis; Socotra Cormorant
Persian name: Bāklān-e-galū-siyāh
nigrogularis—formed from L. niger black + Modern L. gularis -throated, from L. gula throat [6].
Phalacrocorax pygmaeus; Pygmy Cormorant
Persian name: Bāklān-e-kūchak
pygmaeus—L. pygmaeus dwarf, pygmy, from Gr. pugmaios dwarfish [7].
[4] Achopīl
Persian name: Laklak-e-sefīd
Order: Ciconiiformes
Family: Ciconiidae
Ciconia ciconia; White Stork
Ciconia—L. ciconia stork [6].
hājī-laqlaq is formed from hājī hajj, patriarch, hence big bird + laqlaq an onomatopoetic from the clanking sound of
the bills.
[5] Alogh
Persian name: ‘Oghāb-e-talāyī
Order: Falconiformes
Family: Accipitrida
Aquila chrysaetos; Golden Eagle
Aquila—L. aquila eagle, perhaps from L. aquilus darkcoloured [6].
chrysaetos—Gr. khrusaetos Golden Eagle, formed from Gr. khrusos gold + Gr. aetos eagle [5].
Guilakī alogh, relates with Middle Persian āluh eagle.
[6] Āyīl
Persian name: Parī-shāhrokh, Yūsef-biyā, Kākā-biyā
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Oriolidae
Oriolus oriolus; Eurasian Golden Oriole
Oriolus—Med. L. oryolus golden oriole, from Old French onomatopoeia Oriol or Oryol; also compare L. aureolus
golden, from L. aurum gold [3].
[7] Bād-khūre
Persian name: Bādkhorak
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Apodidae
Apus apus; Common Swift
Persian name: Bādkhorak-e-ma’mūlī
Apus—L. apus swift, type of swallow said to have no feet, from Gr. apous bird of the swallow kind, formed from
Gr. a without + Gr. pous foot [3].
Apus pallidus; Pallid Swift
Persian name: Bādkhorak-e-dūdī
pallidus—L. pallidus pallid, pale [6].
Apus affinis; Little Swift
Persian name: Bādkhorak-e-kūchak
affinis—L. adfinis or affinis related, allied; indicating relationship or similarity (not necessarily to a currently
recognised congeneric species) [3].
[8] Bādkūbī-murghābī
Persian name: Bādkūbei
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Tadorna tadorna; Common Shelduck
Persian name: Bādkūbei, Tanjeh, Ordak-e-nūk-qermez
Tadorna—Modern L. Tadorna, from It. Tadorna, according to BOU (1915), from Fr. Tadorne for the Common
Shelduck [3].
[9] Bahrī
Persian name: Tarmatāy-e-pāsorkh
Order: Falconiformes
Family: Falconidae
Falco vespertinus; Red-footed Falcon
Persian name: Tarmatāy-e-pāsorkh
Falco—Late L. falco falcon, from L. falx, falcis sickle, from Late Gr. phalkōn falcon [3].
vespertinus—L. vespertinus of evening, of twilight, crepuscular, from L. vesper, vesperis evening [6].
Falco tinnunculus; Eurasian Kestrel
Persian name: Dalīje-ye-ma’mūlī
tinnunculus—L. tinnunculus kestrel, from L. tinnulus shrill sounding [6].
[10] Bajekar
Persian name: Ordak-e-sarsiyāh
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Aythya ferina (L.); Common Pochard
Persian name: Ordak-e-sarhanaī
Aythya—from Gr. aithuia unidentified seabird mentioned by Aristotle, Hesychius, and other authors.
ferina—feminine of L. ferinus wild, game, from ferus wild [6].
Aythya nyroca (GULD.); Ferruginous Pochard
Persian name: Ordak-e-balūtī
nyroca—from Russian nyrók (нырóк) a duck.
Aythya fuligula (L.); Tufted Duck
Persian name: Ordak-e-siyāhkākol
fuligula—formed from L. fuligo soot + L. gula throat [6].
Aythya marila Linnaeus, 1761; Greater Scaup
Persian name: Ordak-e-sarsiyāh
marila—from Gr. marilē charcoal embers, coal-dust [8].
[11] Barfnē
Persian name: Sehreh-ye-bāghī
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Fringillidae
Fringilla coelebs; Chaffinch
Fringilla—L. fringilla finch [3].
coelebs—L. caelebs unmarried, single; Linnaeus (1757) remarked that hen Chaffinches wintered south to Holland,
leaving the cocks to lead a bachelor existence [3].
[12] Bulbul
Persian name: Bolbol, ‘Andalīb
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Muscicapidae
Luscinia luscinia; Thrush Nightingale
Persian name: Bolbol-e-khāldār
Luscinia—L. luscinia nightingale [6].
Luscinia megarhynchos; Common Nightingale
Persian name: Bolbol-e-ma’mūlī
megarhynchos—formed from Gr. megas great + Gr. rhunkhos bill [9].
Luscinia svecica; Bluethroat
Persian name: Galū-ābī
svecica—feminine of Modern L. Suecicus Swedish, from L. Suecia Sweden; The Bluethroat was found by Olof
Rudbeck in Lapland in 1695 [3].
[13] Chakchakī
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Muscicapidae
Oenanthe oenanthe; Northern Wheatear
Persian name: Chakchak-e-kūhī
Oenanthe—Gr. oinanthē unidentified bird mentioned by Aristotle, from its appearance in the vintage season, formed
from Gr. oinē vine + Gr. anthos bloom [3].
Oenanthe lugens; Mourning Wheatear
Persian name: Chakchak-e-ablagh-e-jonūb
lugens—L. lugens mourning, from L. lugere to mourn [6].
Oenanthe picata; Variable Wheatear
Persian name: Chakchak-e-ablagh-e-khāvarī
picata—L. picatus smeared with tar, hence black-andwhite, from L. pix, picis pitch [3].
Oenanthe pleschanka; Pied Wheatear
Persian name: Chakchak-e-ablagh-e-ma’mūlī
pleschanka—after Russian name of this species, Rus. плещáнка meaning splashing or lapping (bird).
Oenanthe hispanica; Black-eared Wheatear
Persian name: Chakchak-e-ablagh-e-gūsh-siyah
hispanica—feminine of L. Hispanicus Spanish, from L. Hispania Iberia, Spain [6].
Oenanthe deserti; Desert Wheatear
Persian name: Chakchak-e-biyābānī
deserti—genitive of L. desertus or desertum desert, waste, solitude [6].
Oenanthe isabellina; Isabelline Wheatear
Persian name: Chakchak-e-dashtī
isabellina—feminine of Modern L. isabellinus fawn, greyish-yellow, from L. French Isabelle or Spanish Isabella.
The origin of the colour term ‘isabelline’ is now unknown [3].
[14] Changar
Persian name: Changar
Order: Gruiformes
Family: Rallidae
Fulica atra (L.); Eurasian Coot
Fulica—L. fulica and fulix coot [3].
atra—L. atra dull black [6].
[15] Chichinī
Persian name: Gonjeshk
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Passeridae
Passer ammodendri; Saxaul Sparrow
Persian name: Gonjeshk-e-tāghī
Passer—L. passer sparrow [6].
ammodendri—Botanical genus Ammodendron, sand acacia, formed from Gr. ammos sand + Gr. dendron tree [3].
Passer domesticus; House Sparrow
Persian name: Gonjeshk-e-ma’mūlī
domesticus—L. domesticus belonging to the house, domestic, from L. domus house [5].
Passer hispaniolensis; Spanish Sparrow
Persian name: Gonjeshk-e-sīneh-siyāh
hispaniolensis—Modern L. Hispaniolensis Spanish or Hispaniolan, from L. Hispania Spain [6].
Passer pyrrhonotus; Sind Sparrow
Persian name: Gonjeshk-e-balūchī
pyrrhonotus—formed from Gr. purrhos flame-coloured, red + Gr. -nōtos -backed; also compare Gr. nothos
spurious, base [3].
Passer moabiticus; Dead Sea Sparrow
Persian name: Gonjeshk-e-rūdkhāneyī
moabiticus—L. Moabites Moabite, from Moab, mountainous region on the eastern shore of the Dead Sea [3].
Passer simplex; Desert Sparrow
Persian name: Gonjeshk-e-kavīrī
simplex—L. simplex simple, plain [6].
Passer montanus; Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Persian name: Gonjeshk-e-derakhtī
montanus—L. montanus of the mountains, mountain-, from L. mons, montis mountain [6].
[16] Chirī
Persian name: Sehreh-ye-bāltalāyī
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Fringillidae
Carduelis carduelis; European Goldfinch
Carduelis —L. carduelis goldfinch [3].
[17] Chobrak
Persian name: Nūk-pahn, Kafche-nūk
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Anas clypeata; Northern Shoveler
clypeata—feminine of L. clypeatus shield-bearing, formed from L. clypeus shield + L. suffix -at having [6].
[18] Chulī
Persian name: Chakāvak-e-āsmānī
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Alaudidae
Alauda arvensis; Eurasian Skylark
Alauda—L. alauda lark [6].
arvensis—L. arvensis of the field, from L. arvum field [6].
[19] Dāl
Persian name: Dāl-e-ma’mulī
Order: Falconiformes
Family: Accipitrida
Gyps fulvus; Eurasian Griffon
fulvus—L. fulvus tawny, yellowish-brown, brown [6].
[20] Daryā-salīm
Persian name: Salīm
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Charadriidae
Charadrius hiaticula (L.); Common Ringed Plover
Persian name: Salīm-towghī
Charadrius—Late L. charadrius yellowish bird mentioned in the Vulgate Bible (late 4th century), from Gr.
kharadrios unknown plain-colored nocturnal bird that dwelt in ravines and river valleys (kharadra ravine).
According to some authors the sight of it was said to cure jaundice [3].
hiaticula—formed from L. hiatus cleft + L. -cola (?) dweller, from colere to dwell [3].
Charadrius dubius (Scop.); Little Ringed Plover
Persian name: Salīm-towghī-ye-kūchak
dubius—L. dubius doubtful, dubious, formed from L. duo two + L. habere to have [6].
Charadrius alexandrinus (L.); Kentish Plover, Snowy Plover
Persian name: Salīm-e-kūchak
alexandrinus—L. Alexandrinus of Alexandria, Egypt [6].
Charadrius mongolus (Pallas.); Lesser Sandplover, Mongolian Plover
Persian name: Salīm-e-āsiyāyī
mongolus—L. mongolus Mongolia [6].
Charadrius leschenaultii (Less.); Greater Sandplover
Persian name: Salīm-e-shenī
leschenaultii—named after Jean Baptiste Louis Claude Théodore Leschenault de la Tour (1773–1826) French
botanist, ornithologist and collector in the East Indies 1801–1806, India and Ceylon 1816–1822, and Cayenne 1823–
1824 [3].
Charadrius asiaticus (Pall.); Caspian Plover
Persian name: Salīm-e-sīne-balūtī
asiaticus—L. Asiaticus Asiatic [6].
[21] Daryā-sarī
Persian name: Havāsīl
Order: Ciconiiformes
Family: Ardeidae
Ardea cinerea; Gray Heron
Persian name: Havāsīl-e-khākestarī
Ardea—L. ardea heron. In Roman mythology the town of Ardea, capital of the Rutuli, was razed to the ground, and
from the ashes rose a lean, pale bird, shaking the cinders from its wings and uttering mournful cries [3].
cinerea—feminine of L. cinereus ash-grey, ash-coloured, from cinis, cineris ashes [6].
Ardea goliath; Goliath Heron
Persian name: Havāsīl-e-bozōrg
goliath—named after Goliath of Gath, Biblical giant champion of the Philistines who was slain by the young David
[3].
Ardea purpurea; Purple Heron
Persian name: Havāsīl-e-arghavānī
purpurea—feminine of L. purpureus purple-coloured, from L. purpur purple [6].
Ardea alba; Great Egret
Persian name: Havāsīl-e-sefīd
alba—feminine of L. albus white, dull white [6].
[22] Dornā
Persian name: Dornā
Order: Gruiformes
Family: Gruidae
Grus grus (L.); Common Carne
Grus—L. grus crane [6].
[23] Dumblāskanē
Persian name: Domjonbānak
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Motacillidae
Motacilla cinerea; Gray Wagtail
Persian name: Domjonbānak-e-khākestarī
cinerea—feminine of L. cinereus ash-grey, ash-coloured, from cinis, cineris ashes [6].
[24] Falē-vāsh
Persian name: Gilār
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Anas penelope (L.); Eurasian Wigeon
Anas—L. anas duck [6].
penelope—formed from L. pene almost, nearly + Gr. lophos crest [4], referring to the partial crest of this species
compared to the full crest of other species.
[25] Gābē-sar
Persian name: Gonjeshk-e-barfī
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Passeridae
Montifringilla nivalis; White-winged Snowfinch
Montifringilla—Modern L. montifringilla (Turner 1544) mountain finch, brambling, formed from L. mons, montis
mountain + L. fringilla finch [6].
nivalis—L. nivalis snowy, snow-white, from L. nix, nivis snow [6].
[26] Garzak-khurē
Persian name: Zanbūrkhor-e-ma’mūlī
Order: Coraciiformes
Family: Meropidae
Merops apiaster; European Bee-eater
Merops—Gr. merops bee-eater [6].
apiaster—L. apiastra bee-eater, from L. apis bee [6].
[27] Gilānshā
Persian name: Gīlānshāh-e-bozōrg
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae
Numenius arquata; Eurasian Curlew
Numenius—Gr. noumēnios bird mentioned by Hesychius, traditionally associated with the curlew by reason of its
crescent-shaped bill, from Gr. noumēnia new moon, formed from Gr. arquata—Medieval L. arquata curlew, from
L. arcuatus bow-shaped, ultimately form L. arcus bow; “It is generally said … to be derived from the bird’s bill
being bent like a bow, arcus [3].
[28] Gilār
Persian name: Ordak-e-sarhanaī
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Aythya ferina (L.); Common Pochard
Aythya—from Gr. aithuia unidentified seabird mentioned by Aristotle, Hesychius, and other authors.
ferina—feminine of L. ferinus wild, game, from ferus wild [6].
[29] Hajhajī
Persian name: Parastū
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Hirundinidae
Hirundo rustica; Barn Swallow
Hirundo—L. hirundo swallow [6].
rustica—L. rusticus rural, rustic, plain, simple, from L. rus, ruris country [6].
Cecropis daurica; Red-rumped Swallow
Persian name: Parastū-ye-domgāh-sūratī
Cecropis—Gr. KekropisAthenian woman [3].
daurica—Dauria, south-eastern Siberia; after the Dauuri or Dağuuri, a nomadic Mongolian tribe that inhabited the
area [3].
[30] Jaqē-dār
Persian name: Ordak-e-domderāz
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Clangula hyemalis; Long-tailed Duck
Clangula—diminutive formation from L. clangere to resound [6].
hyemalis—L. hiemalis of winter, from L. hiems, hiemis winter [6].
[31] Kabut-ghāz
Persian name: Ghāz-e-khākestarī
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Anser anser Linnaeus, 1758; Greylag Goose
Anser—L. anser goose [6].
[32] Kafāt-piri
Persian name: Elīkāyī
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Troglodytidae
Troglodytes troglodytes; Winter Wren
Troglodytes—Gr. trōglodutēs cave-dweller, wren [8].
[33] Kalāch-siti
Persian name: Sār-e-sūratī
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Sturnidae
Pastor roseus; Rosy Starling
Pastor—L. pastor shepherd, from L. pascere to lead to pasture [6].
roseus—L. roseus rosy, rose-coloured, from L. rosa rose [6].
[34] Kālākan
Persian name: Qū-ye-gong
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Cygnus olor J. Gmelin, 1789; Mute Swan
Cygnus—L. cygnus swan, from Gr. kuknos swan; In Greek mythology Cycnus or Cygnus, the son of Sthenelus king
of Liguria, was sorely afflicted by the death of his friend Phaëthon and was metamorphosed into a swan. It is
believed that Pers. or Ar. quqnūs is derived from Gr. kyknos, probably through Syriac language.
olor—L. olor swan [6].
[35] Kale-sorkhu
Persian name: ‘Arūs-ghāz
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Branta ruficollis (FALLAS); Red-breasted Goose
Branta—Modern L. branta or brata a type of goose [3].
ruficollis—formed from L. rufus red, ruddy + Modern L. -collis -necked, from L. collum neck [6].
[36] Kar-murghābi
Persian name: Eskuter-e-siyāh
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Melanitta nigra (L.); Black Scoter
Melanitta—formed from Gr. melas black + Gr. nētta duck [8].
nigra—feminine of L. niger black, dark colored, shining black [6].
[37] Kashkarat
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Corvidae
Pica pica; Eurasian Magpie
Persian name: Zāghī
Pica—L. pica magpie [6].
[38] Khukar
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Branta bernicla Linnaeus, 1758; Brent Goose
Persian name: Ghāz-e-berent
Branta—Modern L. branta or brata a type of goose [3].
bernicla—Medieval L. bernicla barnacle [3].
[39] Khuk-khor-alogh
Persian name: ‘Oghāb-e-daryāī-ye-domsefīd
Order: Falconiformes
Family: Accipitrida
Haliaeetus albicilla; White-tailed Eagle
albicilla—Medieval L. Albicilla Gaza’s (1476) name for the White-tailed Eagle [3].
[40] Khutkā
Persian name: Khūtkā
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Anas crecca; Eurasian Teal
crecca—from Swedish Kricka for the Common Teal [3].
[41] Kishim
Persian name: Keshīm-e-gardan sorkh
Order: Podicipediformes
Family: Podicipedidae
Podiceps grisegena (BODD.); Red-necked Grebe
Podiceps—formed from L. podex, podicis vent + L. pes foot [4].
grisegena—formed from Medieval L. griseus grey + L. gena cheek [4].
[42] Ku-kalāch
Persian name: Sabzeh-ghabā
Order: Coraciiformes
Family: Coraciidae
Coracias garrulus; European Roller
Coracias—Gr. korakias type of crow or daw, perhaps a chough, from Gr. korax raven [3].
garrulus—L. garrulus babbling, chattering, from L. garrire to chatter [6].
[43] Kuli-khure
Persian name: Māhīkhorak-e-kūchak
Order: Coraciiformes
Family: Alcedinidae
Alcedo atthis; Common Kingfisher
Alcedo—L. alcedo kingfisher [6].
atthis—based on Greek mythology, Atthis, a handsome, richly dressed Indian youth and son of Limniace, nymph of
the Ganges [3].
[44] Kulkāpis
Persian name: Charkhrīsak-e-bozōrg
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Paridae
Parus major; Great Tit
Parus—L. parus tit [6].
major—L. maior greater [6].
[45] Lole-gurk
Persian name: Havāsīl-e-khākestarī
Order: Ciconiiformes
Family: Ardeidae
Ardea cinerea; Gray Heron
Ardea—L. ardea heron. In Roman mythology the town of Ardea, capital of the Rutuli, was razed to the ground, and
from the ashes rose a lean, pale bird, shaking the cinders from its wings and uttering
mournful cries [3].
cinerea—feminine of L. cinereus ash-grey, ash-coloured, from cinis, cineris ashes [6].
[46] Murghābi
Persian name: Sarsabz
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Anas platyrhynchos (L.); Mallard
Anas—L. anas duck [6].
platyrhynchos—formed from Gr. platys broad, wide + Gr. rhynkhos bill, hence Gr. platurrhunkhos broad-billed,
broad-beaked [8].
[47] Murgh-hosayni
Persian name: Felāmīngo-e-bozorg
Order: Phoenicopteriformes
Family: Phoenicopteridae
Phoenicopterus roseus; Greater Flamingo, also as Ph. ruber
Phoenicopterus—L. phoenicopterus flamingo, from Gr. phoinikopteros flamingo, formed from Gr. phoinikós red +
Gr. to pterón bird [7].
roseus—L. roseus rosy, rose-coloured, from L. rosa rose [6].
ruber—L. ruber red [6].
[48] Muro
Persian name: Pelīkān-e-sefīd
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Pelecanidae
Pelecanus onocrotalus; Great White Pelican
Pelecanus—Gr. pelekan, pelekanos pelican [3].
onocrotalus—L. onocrotalus pelican, from Gr. onokrotalos pelican [8].
[49] Mūs
Persian name: Gonjeshk-e-derakhtī
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Passeridae
Passer montanus; Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Passer—L. passer sparrow [6].
montanus—L. montanus of the mountains, mountain-, from L. mons, montis mountain [6].
[50] Nafte-chire
Persian name: Keshīm-e-kuchak
Order: Podicipediformes
Family: Podicipedidae
Tachybaptus ruficollis (PALL.); Little Grebe
Tachybaptus—formed from Gr. takhys fast + Gr. baptō to sink under [8].
ruficollis—formed from L. rufus red, ruddy + Modern L. -collis -necked, from L. collum neck [6].
[51] Nishg
Persian name: Abyā
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae
Scolopax rusticola; Eurasian Woodcock
Scolopax—L. scolopax snipe, woodcock, from Gr. askalōpas or askalopas woodcock [6].
rusticola—feminine of L. rusticola countryman, formed from L. rusticus rural, from L. rus, ruris country + L. suffix
-cola dweller, from L. colere to dwell [6].
[52] Pīchā-ghāz
Persian name: ‘Arūs-ghāz, Ghāz-e-sorkh-gardan
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Branta ruficollis (FALLAS); Red-breasted Goose
Branta—Modern L. branta or brata a type of goose [3].
ruficollis—formed from L. rufus red, ruddy + Modern L. -collis -necked, from L. collum neck [6].
[53] Qachi-dumē
Persian name: Fīlvash
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Anas acuta (L.); Northern Pintail
Anas—L. anas duck [6].
acuta—feminine of L. acutus sharp-pointed, from acuere to sharpen to a point [6].
[54] Qazqal
Persian name: Jījāq
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Corvidae
Garrulus glandarius; Eurasian Jay
Garrulus—L. garrulus chattering, babbling, noisy [6].
glandarius—L. glandarius of acorns, from L. glans, glandis acorn [6].
[55] Rab-ishkan
Persian name: Tūka-ye-posht-balūtī
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Turdidae
Turdus pilaris; Fieldfare
pilaris—L. pilare to deprive of hair, from L. pilus hair [6].
[56] Sale-karāt
see Khutkā
[57] Sasak
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Sylviidae
Acrocephalus agricola; Paddyfield Warbler
Persian name: Sasak-e-shālīz
Acrocephalus—formed from Gr. akros topmost, highest, from Gr. akē point + Gr. kephalē head [8].
agricola—L. agricola farmer, tiller of the fields, formed from L. ager field + L. -cola dweller, from L. colere to
dwell in [9].
Locustella fluviatilis; Eurasian River Warbler
Persian name: Sasak-e-rūdkhāneyī
Locustella—diminutive form of L. locusta grasshopper [3].
fluviatilis—L. fluviatilis riverine, of a river, from L. fluvius river [6].
Sylvia borin; Garden Warbler
Persian name: Sasak-e-bāghī
Sylvia—Mod. L. sylvia woodland sprite, little bird, warbler, from L. silva woodland [5].
borin—Local Italian (Genoese) name Borin for this species, formed from L. bos ox because the bird originally so
called was reputed to keep close to oxen [3].
Sylvia nana; Asian Desert Warbler
Persian name: Sasak-e-biyābānī
nana—L. nanus dwarf, from Gr. nanos dwarf [9].
[58] Setkar
Persian name: Ordak-e-kākol-sefīd, Mergus-e-sefīd
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Mergus albellus (L.); Smew
Mergus—L. mergus type of water bird, not further identified, mentioned by Pliny, Terentius Varro and the poet
Horatius Flaccus [3].
albellus—diminutive form of L. albus white [6].
[59] Shab-larz
Persian name: Hūbareh
Order: Gruiformes
Family: Otididae
Chlamydotis undulata (JACQ.); Houbara Bustard
Chlamydotis—formed from Gr. khlamus horseman’s cloak with weights sewn into the corners + Gr. ōtis bustard [3].
undulata—L. undulatus furnished with wave-like markings, from L. unda wave [6].
[60] Shā-kākāyī
Persian name: Kākāyī-bozōrg
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Laridae
Larus ichthyaetus; Great Black-headed Gull
Larus—L. larus rapacious seabird, probably a gull, from Gr. laros gull or some other seabird [3].
ichthyaetus—formed from Gr. ikhthus fish + Gr. aetos eagle [8].
[61] Shalakht
Persian name: Ghāz-e-pīshānī sefīde-kūchak
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Anser erythropus (L.); Lesser White-fronted Goose
Anser—L. anser goose [6].
erythropus—formed from Gr. eruthros red + Gr. pous foot, hence red-footed [4].
[62] Shale-kā
Persian name: Pāshalak-e-bozōrg
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae
Gallinago media (LATH.); Great Snipe
Gallinago—Modern L. gallinago woodcock, snipe (Turner 1544), formed from L. gallina hen + L. suffix -ago
resembling [6].
media—L. media, feminine of L. medius intermediate [6].
[63] Shal-markē
Persian name: Abyā, Yalveh
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae
Scolopax rusticola; Eurasian Woodcock
Scolopax—L. scolopax snipe, woodcock, from Gr. askalōpas or askalopas woodcock [6].
rusticola—feminine of L. rusticola countryman, formed from L. rusticus rural, from L. rus, ruris country + L. suffix
-cola dweller, from L. colere to dwell [6].
[64] Shāne-be-sarē
Persian name: Hodhod; Shāneh-besar
Order: Coraciiformes
Family: Upupidae
Upupa epops; Hoopoe
Upupa—L. upupa hoopoe [6].
epops—Gr. epops hoopoe [3].
[65] Sifidē
Persian name: Khorūs-kōlī
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Charadriidae
Vanellus vanellus; Northern Lapwing
Vanellus—Medieval L. vanellus lapwing, diminutive form of L. vannus winnowing fan [6].
[66] Sifid-khut
Persian name: Ordak-e-sarsefīd
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Oxyura leucocephala (SCOP.); White-headed Duck
Oxyura—feminine of L. oxyurus, formed from Gr. oxus sharp, pointed + Gr. oura tail [4].
leucocephala—feminine of L. leucocephalus, from Gr. leukokephalos white-headed, formed from Gr. leukos white
+ Gr. kephalos headed [4].
[67] Sine-surkhē
Persian name: Sīnesorkh-e-orūpāyī
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Muscicapidae
Erithacus rubecula; European Robin
Erithacus—L. erithacus robin, hence red-breasted [6].
rubecula—Medern L. rubecula redbreast or robin [3].
[68] Siyā-dārduko
Persian name: Dārkūb-e-siyāh
Order: Piciformes
Family: Picidae
Dryocopus martius; Black Woodpecker
Dryocopus—Gr. druokopos woodpecker, formed from Gr. drus tree + Gr. kopos beating [8].
martius—L. picus Martius type of woodpecker with a tufted crest [3].
[69] Siyā-kalāch
Persian name: Kalāgh-e-siyāh
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Corvidae
Corvus frugilegus; Rook
Corvus—L. corvus raven [6].
frugilegus—L. frugilegus crop-picking, formed from L. frux, frugis fruit + L. legere to pick; also compare Medieval
L. frigella rook [3].
[70] Siyā-kar
Persian name: Ordak-e-cheshmtalaī, Ordak-e-sefīdgūneh
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Bucephala clangula (L.); Common Goldeneye, Golden-eye
Bucephala—formed from Gr. bous bull, ox + Gr. kephalē head, hence Gr. boukephalos bullheaded, large-headed [4].
clangula—diminutive name from L. clangere to resound [6].
[71] Siyā-khut
Persian name: Ordak-e-siyāhkākol
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Aythya fuligula (L.); Tufted Duck
Aythya—from Gr. aithuia unidentified seabird mentioned by Aristotle, Hesychius, and other authors.
fuligula—formed from L. fuligo soot + L. gula throat [6].
[72] Siyā-nespar
Persian name: Tūka-ye-bāghī
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Turdidae
Turdus philomelos; Song Thrush
Turdus—L. turdus thrush [3].
philomelos—L. philomela nightingale; Greek mythology, Philomela, daughter of Pandion, king of Athens, was
violated by her brother-in-law Tereus and changed into a nightingale [3].
[73] Siyā-salīm
Persian name: Sadafkhār-e-khāldār
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Haematopodidae
Haematopus ostralegus (L.); Eurasian Oystercatcher
Haematopus—L. haematopus blood foot, formed from Gr. haima blood + Gr. pous foot [4].
ostralegus—formed from L. ostrea oyster + L. legere to gather [6].
[74] Siyā-siti
Persian name: Sār(-e-siyāh)
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Sturnidae
Sturnus vulgaris; European Starling
Sturnus—L. sturnus starling [6].
vulgaris—L. vulgaris common, from L. vulgus people [6].
[75] Sukhtey
Persian name: Kūkū
Order: Cuculiformes
Family: Cuculidae
Cuculus canorus (L.); Common Cuckoo
Cuculus—L. cuculus cuckoo [6].
canorus—L. canorus melodious [6].
[76] Surkhe-dumē
Persian name: Domsorkh-e-siyāh
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Muscicapidae
Phoenicurus ochruros; Black Redstart
Phoenicurus—formed from Gr. phoinix crimson, red, purple + Gr. -ouros -tailed [5].
ochruros—formed from Gr. ōkhros pale yellow + Gr. -ouros -tailed, from Gr. oura tail [5].
[77] Talkhum
Persian name: Ghomrī-mamūlī
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Streptopelia turtur (L.); Eurasian Turtle-Dove
Streptopelia—formed from Gr. streptos collar, neck-chain + Gr. peleia dove [3].
turtur—L. turtur turtle dove [6].
[78] Turang
Persian name: Gharghāvol
Order: Galliformes
Family: Phasianidae
Phasianus colchicus (L.); Ring-necked Pheasant
Phasianus—L. phasianus pheasant, from Gr. phasianos pheasant; so named because the Phasian birds were first
found by the Argonauts on the banks of the River Phasis in Colchis. In ornithology phasis is frequently used as a
substitute for phasianus [3].
colchicus—L. Colchicus of Colchis (Gr. Kolkhis), a country on the eastern shores of the Black Sea (=Georgia)
where pheasants were first discovered [3].
[79] Turusak
Persian name: Tāvūsak
Order: Gruiformes
Family: Rallidae
Porphyrio porphyrio; Purple Swamphen, Purple Gallinule
Porphyrio—L. porphyrio swamphen, from Gr. porphurion swamphen, gallinule [3].
[80] Ushum
Persian name: Belderchīn
Order: Galliformes
Family: Phasianidae
Coturnix coturnix (L.); Common Quail
Coturnix—L. coturnix quail [6].
[81] Vāshek
Persian name: ‘Oghāb-e-tālābī
Order: Falconiformes
Family: Accipitrida
Aquila clanga; Greater Spotted Eagle
Aquila—L. aquila eagle, perhaps from L. aquilus darkcoloured [6].
clanga—Gr. klangos eagle [8].
[82] Zalūzan
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostra avosetta; Pied Avocet
Persian name: Avoset
Recurvirostra—L. recurvus bent, curved backwards, from L. recurvare to bend [6].
avosetta—French Avocette avocet [3].
[83] Zangūle-bāl
Persian name: Zangūle-bāl
Order: Gruiformes
Family: Otididae
Otis tetrax (L.); Little Bustard, also as Tetrax tetrax
Otis—Gr. ōtis bustard with long ear feathers (no Palaearctic bustard has ‘ear feathers’) [3].
tetrax—Gr. tetrax edible gamebird mentioned by Aristophanes, Athenaeus, Alexander Myndios, and Epicharmus,
later variously identified [3].
[84] Zardān
Persian name: Domjonbānak-e-zard
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Motacillidae
Motacilla flava; Yellow Wagtail
flava—feminine of L. flavus yellow [6].
[85] Zarkā
Persian name: Ordak-e-ardei
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
Anas strepera; Gadwall
strepera—feminine of Late L. streperus noisy, from L. strepere to make a loud noise [6].
The authors believe that any research on the scientific aspect of Iranian Languages deserve special attention. Gilaki language is one of the rich and efficient medium in the native level and local communications. As we mentioned its powerful and effective impress on the standard language of the country, although it seems such as small and case study, but very valuable studies have been conducted on diverse features of Gilaki language [10,12]. These studies will be more eminent if we note the controversial discussions in the literature about the exact relation of this language and other relatives [13,14]. The results of this study along with some previous valuable dictionaries and lexicons of Gilaki language, contained the bird names in this language and their corresponding scientific equivalents [15,16]. This study is an initial and basic stratum for future detailed studies.
The authors wish to thank all native people and dear academic colleagues and students contributed in preparing the core list of this study.
