passerine Definition
of or relating to birds of the order Passeriformes, which includes more than half of all bird species and have feet adapted for perching.
Using passerine: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "passerine" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The passerine bird is known for its unique perching ability.
Example
Passerine birds are also known as songbirds.
Example
The oscine passerines are known for their complex vocalizations.
passerine Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with passerine
non-passerine
refers to birds that are not part of the order Passeriformes and do not have feet adapted for perching
Example
Owls are non-passerine birds.
refers to passerine birds that have a highly developed vocal organ and are capable of complex vocalizations
Example
The oscine passerines include many species of songbirds.
suboscine passerine
refers to passerine birds that have a less developed vocal organ and produce simpler vocalizations
Example
The suboscine passerines include many species of flycatchers.
Origins of passerine
from Latin 'passer', meaning 'sparrow'
Summary: passerine in Brief
'Passerine' [ˈpæsəraɪn] is an adjective that describes birds belonging to the order Passeriformes, which includes over half of all bird species. These birds have feet adapted for perching and are also known as songbirds. The oscine passerines are known for their complex vocalizations.