Bird Vocabulary - C-D

Defines the term “cache” as a noun and a verb.

Defines the term “carnivorous” as it applies to birds, including different types of carnivores and species examples.

Defines the term "carrion."

Defines the term "cavity-nesting" as it applies to bird nests and reproduction, with examples of cavity-nesting bird species.

Defines the term “cere” as part of a bird’s anatomy.

Defines the word "chin" as part of a bird's anatomy, with tips for bird identification using the chin.

The cloaca is an important part of a bird's anatomy for digestion and reproduction; learn how this often unseen part of a bird helps bird banders learn the gender of birds, and what role it plays in bird mating.

Discussion of bird colonial behavior as it relates to breeding and reproduction, including advantages and disadvantages and examples of colonial bird species.

Defines the term "coniferous" as it relates to bird habitat and trees for birds.

Birds with countershading have a specific type of coloration pattern in their feathers that helps with camouflage. Learn more about countershading, including examples of birds with countershaded plumage.

Defines the term "crest" as part of a bird's plumage, with examples of crested birds and tips for identification based on a bird's crest.

Defines the terms crop milk and bird milk, including nutritional information and what birds use crop milk to feed their young.

Defines the term "crown" as part of a bird's anatomy, including tips for identifying birds based on the crown.

Defines the term "cull" as it relates to culling birds, including how and why birds are culled.

Defines the term "culmen" as part of a bird's bill, with tips for how to identify birds using the culmen.

Defines the term "dabbling duck" with examples of dabbler species.

Defines the term "DDT" and discusses the infamous pesticide and its effect on birds.

Defines the term "deciduous" as it relates to bird habitat and trees for birds.

Bird bills can be decurved, and understanding that term can help you properly identify birds with decurved bills.

Defines the term "die-off" as it relates to massive bird fatalities.

Defines the terms dimorphic, dimorphous and sexual dimorphism.

Defines the term "diurnal" with examples of types of diurnal birds.

Defines the term "diving duck" with examples of species.

Defines the term “domestic duck” in relation to waterfowl with examples of species and where they are typically found.

Defines the term "down" as a type of bird feathers, including discussion of down in both juvenile and mature birds.

Defines the term "drake" as a type of duck, with details of how drakes and hens are different.