Fellingbird

/ˈfɛlɪŋbɜrd/ noun

Definition

A bird that pecks or damages fruit and crops, causing them to fall from trees; a destructive bird.

Etymology

Compound word from 'felling' (causing to fall) and 'bird.' This term emerged in agricultural contexts, likely from 18th-19th century English farming terminology to describe specific pest species.

Kelly Says

Farmers had specific names for problem animals—a 'fellingbird' was probably the sparrow or finch that would peck holes in apples, making them drop to the ground where they'd rot and become worthless!

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