India, Nov. 2 -- The discovery of a rarity, the Golden-fronted leafbird (GFL), in the precincts of the Sukhna Lake on September 16, 2025, generated excitement with photographers racing to procure its beauteous image.

And, when it comes to the GFL's scientific legacy, it resonates with intriguing 'twists to its beautiful tail'. The GFL's ornithological nomenclature or scientific (Linnean) designation --- Chloropsis aurifrons --- traces to the early 19th century. This scientific nomenclature system was established by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 to standardise naming across all languages. This was an era wherein a race was underway in Europe to claim the honour of originating a species' scientific name.

The official history of the GFL's scientif...