Insessores

9.9

An old name used by scientists for birds with feet for perching, like songbirds

noun

Archaic

: Insessores

In 19th-century ornithology, many songbirds were classified among the Insessores.

Examples

Though no longer used scientifically, Insessores appears in historical classifications of birds.
The term Insessores was gradually replaced by more precise taxonomic groupings.
The term Insessores was once widely used in ornithology.
Many scientists have moved away from using Insessores in their classifications.
In 19th-century ornithology, many songbirds were classified among the Insessores.
Though no longer used scientifically, Insessores appears in historical classifications of birds.
The term Insessores was gradually replaced by more precise taxonomic groupings.

Synonyms

percher

vsInsessores

Specialized

9.5

A bird that sits on branches using its feet to hold on, like a robin

is the obsolete scientific term for such birds rather than a current general name

perching bird

vsInsessores

Specialized

5.7

A bird with feet that hold onto branches, like a robin or sparrow

is an older scientific label implying formal obsolete classification rather than current use

Surface Forms

Insessores singular

Insessores plural

Etymology

Insessores comes from Latin parts in- and sedere, meaning 'in' or 'on' and 'to sit', so it literally means 'those who sit on'. The image is simple: birds that 'sit on' branches with feet made for perching, which is why scientists once used Insessores for perching birds, though the term is now obsolete.