Nidology
/naɪˈdɒlədʒi/noun
The scientific study of birds’ nests and nesting behavior.
Did you know?Its first element comes from Latin nidus, “nest,” which is linked to an ancient Indo-European root meaning “to sit,” imagining a nest as a place where a bird settles.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ni-sdós
“A place to sit or settle down; the reconstructed source behind “nest” and “nidus”.”
Ancient Latin
Latin
nidus
“Nest, especially a bird’s nest; literally associated with a place of sitting or settling.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
logos
“Study, account, or systematic knowledge—the source of the suffix “-logy”.”
19th Century
Scientific English
nidology
“The specialized study of nests, particularly birds’ nests.”
Modern English
English
nidology
“The scientific study of birds’ nests and nesting behavior.”