Birdword is a recurring function in Living Bird journal. Subscribe now.
They’re typically known as technical phrases, eight-dollar-words, jargon, or simply plain gobbledygook. However hidden inside these multisyllabic ornithological utterances are keys to fascinating behaviors, time machines to take you again to historic Greek and Latin, and sly insights to the minds of scientists at work.
On this recurring function by illustrator Rosemary Mosco we break down just a few of the “birdwords” we get pleasure from essentially the most.
For extra, try our earlier Birdword items written by Living Bird staff writers.
Brood Parasite
Brood parasite: n. A fowl that lays eggs within the nests of the identical or a unique species leaving the ensuing younger to be raised totally by the host(s).
Regional Heterothermy
Regional Heterothermy: n. The potential to let some elements of the physique get chilly whereas sustaining core physique temperature. Right here’s extra about how seabirds keep from getting cold feet.
In regards to the Writer
Rosemary Mosco is an creator, illustrator, and speaker whose work connects individuals with the pure world.
She’s written and drawn for the New York Instances, Audubon, the PBS present Elinor Wonders Why, the Outdated Farmer’s Almanac for Children, Ranger Rick, and extra. She creates acclaimed science books for teenagers and adults and makes the character comedian Hen and Moon, which gained the Nationwide Cartoonists Society’s award for Finest On-line Quick Type Comedian and was the topic of an award-winning museum exhibit. Her local weather change comics had been exhibited at AAAS headquarters and the Peabody Essex Museum. She offers partaking talks and workshops to teams of all ages.
