nidifugous

9.9

Leaving the nest shortly after hatching

adjective
/ˌnɪdɪˈfjuːɡəs/

Specialized

: nidífugo

Ducklings are nidifugous, leaving the nest soon after they hatch and following their mother.

Examples

The nidifugous chicks quickly left their nest after hatching.
Unlike most songbirds, precocial species such as quails are nidifugous.
Because they are nidifugous, young shorebirds are able to feed themselves almost immediately after hatching.
Many nidifugous species are found in tropical regions.
Because they are nidifugous, young shorebirds are able to feed themselves almost immediately after hatching.
Ducklings are nidifugous and leave the nest as soon as they hatch to follow their mother.
Unlike most songbirds, precocial species like quails are considered nidifugous because they leave the nest shortly after hatching.

Antonyms

nidicolous

Specialized

9.9

Staying in the nest after hatching or birth and needing parents' care

How Dependent

altricial

Specialized

1 9.9

nidicolous

Specialized

9.9

nidifugous

Specialized

9.9

precocial

Specialized

1 9.9

Surface Forms

nidifugous positive

Etymology

The word nidifugous comes from the Latin words nidus 'nest' and fugere 'to flee', and it shares the same root as fugitive. So, a nidifugous bird is one that 'flees the nest', meaning it leaves soon after hatching.