Definition

Adjective: - Relating to or characteristic of birds that are not perching birds: This term describes any bird that is not a member of the large order Passeriformes (perching birds or songbirds). Nonpasserine birds encompass all other bird orders and are characterized by diverse anatomical features, often lacking the specialized foot structure for perching typical of passerines.

Usage

The term "nonpasserine" is used primarily in ornithology (the study of birds) to classify and describe birds in a scientific or technical context. It is an adjective used to modify nouns like "bird," "species," "order," or "group."

Examples

• The ostrich and the penguin are classic examples of nonpasserine birds.
• This field guide has a section dedicated to nonpasserine species found in the region.
• Their research compared the vocal learning abilities of passerine and nonpasserine birds.
• Hawks, eagles, owls, and waterfowl all belong to nonpasserine orders.

Advanced Usage

• As a collective noun (informal in scientific contexts): While primarily an adjective, "nonpasserines" is sometimes used informally as a plural noun to refer to the group as a whole.
  • The exhibit features birds from around the world, including both passerines and nonpasserines.

Variants and Related Words

• Passerine (adj/n): The direct antonym. Relating to or characteristic of perching birds (order Passeriformes), which includes more than half of all bird species, such as sparrows, crows, and finches.
• Non-passerine: A less common variant spelling with a hyphen.

Synonyms

• Non-perching bird (noun phrase): A descriptive synonym.
• Non-songbird (noun phrase): A common but slightly less precise synonym, as not all passerines are songbirds, and the term "nonpasserine" is broader.

Antonyms

• Passerine
• Perching bird
• Songbird (in common, though not strictly precise, usage)

Adjective

1. relating to or characteristic of birds that are not perching birds