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Chickadees: meaning, definitions and examples

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chickadees

 

[ หˆสงษชkษ™หŒdiz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

bird species

Chickadees are small, nonmigratory birds belonging to the family Paridae. They are known for their distinctive black-capped heads and their cheerful, thorough 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee' call. These birds are often found in wooded areas and are common throughout North America.

Synonyms

paridae, titmouse

Examples of usage

  • Chickadees are frequent visitors to backyard bird feeders.
  • The black-capped chickadee is easily recognizable by its black cap and white cheeks.
  • Chickadees are social birds often seen in small flocks during the winter.

Etymology

The term 'chickadee' originates from the early 19th century, derived from the bird's characteristic call. The name itself is thought to come from Native American languages, particularly the Algonquian word for the bird which reflects the sound it makes. Originally, these birds were referred to by their specific species names, but the informal term 'chickadee' gained popularity due to its catchy phonetic resemblance to their vocalization. The usage of 'chickadee' is primarily concentrated in North America, where several species of small black-capped birds of this family are commonly found. Over time, chickadees have become a beloved part of North American wildlife culture, often associated with winter birdwatching and feeding.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,230, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.