Nidifugous
/ˌnaɪdɪˈfjuːɡəs/noun
Leaving the nest soon after hatching or birth.
Did you know?Nidifugous comes from Latin roots meaning “nest” and “to flee,” and it’s the opposite of the more vulnerable nidicolous young that stay behind in the nest.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
nidus + fugere
“nest + to flee”
Late Latin
Latin
nidifugus
“literally “nest-fleeing,” used for young animals that leave the nest early”
Modern Scientific Latin
Latin
nidifugous
“describing animals that are able to leave the nest soon after hatching or birth”
Modern English
English
nidifugous
“leaving the nest early”
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