Hazelhen

/ˈheɪzəlhɛn/ noun

Definition

A hazel hen is a type of wild bird, also called a hazel grouse or wood grouse, found in European forests.

Etymology

Compound word from 'hazel' (the tree/shrub where they frequent) plus 'hen' (female bird), descriptively named for the birds' habitat.

Kelly Says

Hazel hens were once hunted extensively across Europe, but now they're protected—the word itself is a fossil reminder of when European forests were so thick with game that simple compound names described entire ecosystems.

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