Bird Watching Glossary

noun a thin, flat piece of something that can be moved to cover or close an opening

verb to move up and down or from side to side with a quick, light, slapping sound

• The bird's wings began to flap rapidly as it took off into the sky.
• I saw the dog flap its ears when it heard a loud noise.
• She started to flap when she realized she was running late.
• His hands began to flap in excitement as he told the story.

verb to develop wings and feathers that are large enough for flight, typically describing a young bird

• The young birds will fledge when they are ready to leave the nest.
• The baby birds are almost ready to fledge and fly on their own.
• I can't believe how quickly those chicks are going to fledge!
• It's time for you to fledge from your comfort zone and try something new.

noun a young bird that has not yet left its nest

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• The ornithologist carefully observed the nestling in the tree, noting its behavior and development.
• I saw a cute little nestling chirping in the nest outside my window.
• Check out the adorable nestling hanging out with its siblings in the nest.
• The new employee was like a nestling in the company, still learning and growing in their role.

noun a loud, harsh, or discordant noise

verb to make a loud, harsh, or discordant noise

• The parrot let out a loud squawk as the zookeeper approached.
• I heard a squawk coming from the backyard, probably just the neighbor's pet bird.
• The kids were making a lot of squawks during recess, they were having a great time.
• The politician's speech was full of squawks and empty promises.

adjective existing or occurring in large numbers or in a great quantity

adverb in a state of being brooded or contemplated

• The hen sat abrood on her eggs, keeping them warm until they hatched.
• She always seems to be abrood about something, I wonder what's on her mind.
• I could tell he was abrood about failing the test, he looked so down.
• The idea of starting a new business had been abrood in his mind for months.