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Titmice Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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titmice

[ˈtɪtmaɪs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

bird species

Titmice are small, social birds belonging to the family Paridae, which also includes chickadees. They are characterized by their short necks and pointed wings, along with a distinctive crest on the head in some species. Titmice are commonly found in wooded areas, gardens, and parks across North America and parts of Europe. These birds are known for their cheerful calls and acrobatic feeding habits, often hanging upside down while foraging for insects and seeds.

Synonyms

chickadee, parid, songbird.

Examples of usage

  • I spotted a titmouse in the garden today.
  • The titmice were singing beautifully at dawn.
  • Titmice often visit bird feeders during winter.
  • I love watching the titmice interact with each other.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'titmice'

The term 'titmouse' has Old English origins, stemming from the words 'tit' and 'mase'. 'Tit' is a term used to denote small creatures, and 'mase' is an old word for a small bird. The word evolved over time as naturalists observed and classified various bird species. The use of 'mouse' in the name may be attributed to the small size and lively nature of these birds, likening them to mice in terms of their behavior and agility. The scientific family name, Paridae, refers to the overall classification of titmice and chickadees, which share common characteristics such as size, feeding habits, and social behaviors. As ornithology developed as a science, the titmouse became an important subject of study, highlighting the diversity of avian life and their roles in the ecosystem.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,049, 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.