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oscines

oscines

1 9.9
Birds that are typical songbirds and can learn many different songs
  • noun
  • /ˈɑsɪniz/
  • Specialized
: oscinos
  • The majority of familiar backyard birds, such as robins and sparrows, are classified as oscines.

Examples

  • Unlike suboscines, oscines are capable of learning new songs throughout their lives.

  • Unlike suboscines, oscines are capable of learning new songs throughout their lives.

  • Scientists have long studied the complex vocalizations produced by oscines.

  • The oscines are known for their beautiful melodies.

  • Many oscines can mimic human sounds.

  • The majority of familiar backyard birds, such as robins and sparrows, are classified as oscines.

  • Scientists have long studied the complex vocalizations produced by oscines.

Synonyms

Passeres
vsoscines
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A large group of songbirds that includes sparrows and robins

focuses on biological definition by vocal organ development rather than naming history
suborder Passeres
vsoscines
  • Specialized
9.8

A group of birds that includes common songbirds

is defined by developed vocal organs enabling complex songs

Surface Forms

oscines singular
oscines plural

Morphology

oscines = oscine (transparent) = oscine + s

Regular plural formation using the productive English plural suffix '-s'; the plural directly denotes more than one 'oscine'.

Etymology

Oscines comes from the Latin oscinus, which meant 'singer' or 'songbird', so it names the birds that are best known for singing and for learning new songs.