Trochilus
/ˈtrɒkɪləs/noun
A swift, small bird often identified with the hummingbird or, in classical usage, a wren-like bird.
Did you know?Trochilus comes from Greek τροχίλος, a bird-name tied to τροχός, “wheel,” so its root imagery is all motion, turning, and relentless movement.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
τροχίλος (trokhílos)
“A small bird, often described as swift or wren-like”
Ancient Greek
Greek
τροχός (trokhós)
“Wheel; something that turns or runs in a circle”
Latin
Latin
trochilus
“A small bird, especially one noted by classical authors for quick movement”
Middle English / Early Modern English
English
trochilus
“A learned or scientific bird-name used in natural history texts”
Modern English
English
trochilus
“A taxonomic or literary name for a small swift bird, especially a hummingbird in older usage”
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