Expert: Julia Booth - 12/3/2008

Question
Dear Julia

Have you any idea what the genus name Ardenna for some of the shearwaters actually means. I know most generic and specific names and what they mean but I cannot trace anything for this. Latin for the Ardennes mountains is Ardenna but I cannot imagine they have anything to do with mountains especially in the Ardennes.

Thanks

Dr Alan Galbraith

Answer
I am also a fan of etymology and become frustrated when the use of a particular term isn't clear. When it comes to Greek and Latin, often context is the issue. What it meant when the word originated isn't always the same as its modern meaning.

In this case, my assumption would that it was chosen based on the fact that Shearwaters nest on cliffs that are generally at a high elevation. Although, the Ardennes are in France I think and not near the ocean.

The sub genus Ardenna refers specifically to the larger Shearwaters, who supposedly evolved to a larger size, prior to the other birds in their genus. And that has nothing to do with mountains either.

So, basically I'm no help.

I recommend finding a biologist who specializes in binomial nomenclature and animal taxonomy and perhaps asking them. Although, I wouldn't be surprised if they couldn't tell you either. If you think the birds are confusing, check out the spiders.

Good luck,

Julia