Songbird

/ˈsɔŋbɝd/ noun

Definition

A bird that sings melodious songs, usually small birds like robins, sparrows, and nightingales.

Etymology

Compound of 'song' (Old English 'sang') and 'bird' (Old English 'brid'). Both elements are ancient Germanic roots referring to vocal music and the animal respectively.

Kelly Says

Not all birds sing—only songbirds have the special anatomy called the 'syrinx' that lets them produce complex melodies, which is why a chicken's cluck doesn't count but a mockingbird's performance does!

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