Nestling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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nestling
[ˈnɛslɪŋ ]
Definitions
baby bird
A young bird that has not yet left its nest and is typically still covered with down feathers. Nestlings rely on their parents to bring them food and keep them warm until they are ready to fly.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The nestling chirped loudly as its mother flew back to the nest with a worm.
- The nestling eagerly awaited its next meal from its attentive parents.
young child
A young child who is still dependent on their parents for care and support. Nestlings in human families require love, attention, and guidance as they grow and learn.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| nestling |
This term is often used in the context of birds and means a young bird that is still in the nest or hasn't left the nest yet.
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| child |
This is a general term used to refer to a young human being below the age of puberty.
|
| offspring |
This term can refer to the young of a person, animal or plant. It is a more formal word than 'child' and can be used in scientific contexts.
|
| youngster |
This term is often used informally to describe children or young people, typically emphasizing their youthful energy and potential.
|
Examples of usage
- The little nestling held onto their parent's hand tightly as they crossed the street.
- Even as a teenager, he remained a nestling in his parents' eyes, always seeking their approval.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Wildlife
- Nestlings rely heavily on their parents for food and warmth until they can fly independently.
- Some species of birds, like robins, have a unique method of feeding their nestlings by regurgitating pre-digested food.
- Most nestlings go through several stages before flying: hatching, growing feathers, and learning to flap their wings.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, the nurturing of nestlings symbolizes family, protection, and growth.
- Artistic representations often use nestlings to express themes of innocence and vulnerability in nature.
- Children's stories frequently feature birds and their nestlings to teach lessons about caring for others and the cycle of life.
Conservation
- Many conservation efforts focus on protecting nesting sites to ensure the survival of various bird species during their vulnerable nestling stage.
- Urban development can disrupt nesting habits, which affects the growth and safety of nestlings in cities.
- Birdwatching communities often engage in nestling monitoring programs to study growth patterns and promote species preservation.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that observing nestlings and their parents generates feelings of warmth, nurturing, and connection in humans.
- Nestlings represent the concept of dependence, prompting reflections on our own childhood experiences.
- Birdsong from parent birds caring for nestlings has been found to reduce stress and enhance mood in listeners.
Origin of 'nestling'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'nestling' combines 'nest' (a bird's home) and the suffix '-ling,' meaning 'small' or 'young.'
- It first appeared in English literature around the late 15th century, showcasing the importance of birds in nature.
- Nesting behavior and related terminology reflect deep human connections to nature and wildlife.
The word 'nestling' originated from the Middle English 'nestlynge', which was a combination of 'nest' and the suffix '-ling', indicating a young or small individual. The term has been used since the 15th century to refer to young birds or children. It conveys a sense of innocence, vulnerability, and reliance on parental care.