Rufous Explained

Rufous is a color that may be described as reddish-brown or brownish-red, as of rust or oxidised iron.^[1] The first recorded use of rufous as a color name in English was in 1782.^[2] However, the color is also recorded earlier in 1527 as a diagnostic urine color.^[3]

The word "rufous" is derived from the Latin rufus, meaning "red", and is used as an adjective in the names of many animals—especially birds—to describe the color of their skin, fur, or plumage.^[4]

See also

• List of colours: N–Z
• Lists of colours

Notes and References

1. Web site: Color Me Rufous . 10,000 Birds . 2007-01-19 . 2018-06-21.
2. Maerz and Paul A Dictionary of Color New York:1930 McGraw-Hill Page 203; Color Sample of Rufous: Page 45 Plate 10 Color Sample A10
3. Anon., Here begineth the seinge of urynes. London, 1527; British Museum.
4. Book: Department, United States War. Reports of Explorations and Surveys: To Ascertain the Most Practicable and Economical Route for a Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. 1858. A.O.P. Nicholson, Printer. 743.