Fieldbird

/ˈfiːldˌbɜːrd/ noun

Definition

A bird that lives or hunts in open fields rather than forests; a general descriptive term for ground-dwelling or field-habitat birds.

Etymology

Fieldbird is a straightforward compound of 'field' and 'bird,' descriptively naming birds by their habitat. This follows the English pattern of habitat-based animal naming.

Kelly Says

Humans group animals by where we see them—fieldbirds, waterbirds, woodland birds—which is actually terrible taxonomy but great poetry. Larks are fieldbirds, and the moment you know that, you understand why poetry calls them 'skylarks.'

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