Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
passeriform bird

passeriform bird

9.2
A small or medium bird like a robin that sits on branches and often sings
  • noun
  • /ˈpæsərɪˌfɔrm bɜrd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : pájaro paseriforme
  • The robin is a common example of a passeriform bird found in many gardens.

Examples

  • Researchers study the migration patterns of passeriform birds to better understand climate change impacts.

  • Many species of passeriform birds are known for their elaborate courtship songs.

  • The passeriform bird sang beautifully in the morning.

  • Many passeriform birds migrate during the winter months.

  • Many species of passeriform birds are known for their elaborate courtship songs.

  • The robin is a common example of a passeriform bird found in many gardens.

  • Many passeriform birds migrate during the winter months.

Synonyms

passerine
vspasseriform bird
  • Specialized
1 9.8

A small bird like a sparrow or finch that sits on branches

is the formal taxonomic label for this same group
perching bird
vspasseriform bird
  • Specialized
5.7

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

is the specific scientific label rather than a general physical description
percher
vspasseriform bird
  • Specialized
9.5

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

is the modern taxonomic name focusing on order membership rather than old terminology

Surface Forms

passeriform bird singular
passeriform birds plural

Morphology

passeriform + bird

The phrase is compositional (adjective + noun) so in principle it denotes a type of bird — if a learner knew the adjective 'passeriform' they would understand it as 'a bird of the Passeriformes.' However, 'passeriform' is a specialized taxonomic term (and not decomposable into common B1 vocabulary), so the meaning is only partially transparent to an average B1 learner without prior exposure.

Etymology

Passeriform bird may come from the Latin word passer, meaning 'sparrow', a small bird that sits on branches. That's why the name is used for the large group of birds that 'perch' with toes made for gripping and are often songbirds.