Definition

Describing birds that leave their nest shortly after they are born.

Example

The nidifugous chicks quickly ventured out of the nest to explore their surroundings.

Conversation

Did you know some birds are nidifugous?

Really? I didn't know that! What does it mean?

It means they leave the nest shortly after hatching.

That's fascinating! Nature is so interesting.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nidifugous → It is formed from "nidi-" (from Latin "nidus", meaning nest) and "fugous" (from Latin "fugere", meaning to flee or escape). The word describes animals that leave the nest shortly after hatching, thus fleeing from it.

Memory Tip

Think of animals that 'flee' ('fugere') from their 'nest' ('nidus') shortly after they are born — that's why nidifugous refers to those that leave the nest.

Visually Confused Words