fledgling

Everyday

1. A young bird that has just grown its feathers and is learning to fly. tree →
2. A person or thing that is new and not yet experienced: «a fledgling club». tree →

In the lessons

In science and nature, a fledgling is a stage in a bird's life after the nestling. In everyday life, children often find fledglings on the ground in spring; usually the parents are nearby feeding them, so leave the bird alone unless it is in danger. Phrases: «a fledgling bird», «a fledgling business».

Examples

• A fledgling hopped about on the lawn. tree →
• The fledgling flapped its wings and tried to fly. tree →
• If you find a fledgling, leave it; its parents are close by. tree →
• Keep the cat inside while fledglings are learning to fly. tree →
• The fledgling club had only five members. tree →
• Fledglings have feathers, but nestlings are still fluffy. tree →
• Sing to your fledglings again, Mother, oh lift up your head! tree →

Note

Countable: fledglings. Also spelled «fledgeling» (UK). Myth: touching a baby bird does not make the parents abandon it, but it is still best to leave fledglings alone.