NESTLINGS Meaning and
Definition
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Nestlings are a noun derived from the word "nest" and are primarily used to refer to young birds that are still in the nest. It specifically describes small, helpless, and relatively undeveloped birds that have not yet acquired the ability to fly or leave the nest. Nestlings are typically born naked or with only a few patches of downy feathers, making them visually distinct from their parents or older birds. They depend entirely on their parents or other caretakers for warmth, protection, and provision of food.
Furthermore, nestlings are commonly completely dependent on their parents for survival, as they cannot feed themselves or fend off predators. During this stage of their lives, nestlings are in a critical developmental phase, during which they undergo rapid growth and maturation. They rely on a specialized diet provided by their parents, who tirelessly hunt, catch, and regurgitate food to meet their nutritional needs. This feeding process often involves open-mouthed begging behavior by the nestlings, who emit distinctive chirping sounds to attract the attention of their parents.
Nestlings also exhibit different physical characteristics compared to adult birds. They usually have larger eyes, shorter wings, and smaller bodies in proportion to their heads, reflecting their immature stages of development. As nestlings gradually acquire more feathers and grow in size, they reach a stage known as fledglings, when they become able to leave the nest and learn to fly independently, eventually fully transitioning into adulthood.
Common Misspellings for NESTLINGS
Etymology of NESTLINGS
The word "nestlings" is derived from the Middle English term "nestelynge", which was formed by combining "nest" and the suffix "-lyng" (meaning "offspring"). The suffix "-lyng" itself originates from Old English "-ling", indicating "a young one". Therefore, "nestlings" refers to the young birds that are found in a nest.
Similar spelling words for NESTLINGS
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