They’re typically referred to as technical phrases, eight-dollar-words, jargon, or simply plain gobbledygook. However hidden inside these multisyllabic ornithological utterances are keys to fascinating behaviors, time machines to take you again to historical Greek and Latin, and sly insights to the minds of scientists at work.

On this recurring function by illustrator Rosemary Mosco we break down a couple of of the “birdwords” we take pleasure in essentially the most.

For extra, take a look at our earlier Birdword gadgets written by Residing Hen workers writers.

Brood Parasite

Brood parasite: n. A chook that lays eggs within the nests of the identical or a special species leaving the ensuing younger to be raised completely by the host(s).

Regional Heterothermy

Regional Heterothermy: n. The potential to let some elements of the physique get chilly whereas sustaining core physique temperature. Right here’s extra about how seabirds preserve from getting chilly ft.

Concerning the Creator

Rosemary Mosco is an creator, illustrator, and speaker whose work connects folks with the pure world.

She’s written and drawn for the New York Instances, Audubon, the PBS present Elinor Wonders Why, the Previous Farmer’s Almanac for Youngsters, Ranger Rick, and extra. She creates acclaimed science books for teenagers and adults and makes the character comedian Hen and Moon, which received the Nationwide Cartoonists Society’s award for Finest On-line Brief Type Comedian and was the topic of an award-winning museum exhibit. Her local weather change comics had been exhibited at AAAS headquarters and the Peabody Essex Museum. She offers participating talks and workshops to teams of all ages.