Danglebirds

I’m on a one-woman mission to introduce a new term to the birding world: danglebird.

The definition, which I’m working on, is something like, “a small bird which dangles athletically from thin branches, bird feeders and ivy, often without any regard for gravity.  Gathers in groups which are sometimes quite large and pings from tree to tree.”

You may reasonably argue that there’s already a word for that, or two: tits and finches.  Then there are a few birds who are technically finches, like redpoll and siskins, who don’t have “finch” in their name, thus adding to confusion.  Incidentally I don’t think nuthatches or tree-creepers fall into this category as they don’t dangle from thin twigs, but feel free to disagree with  me.

Language evolves. I think it’s useful to be able to say to another person, “Look, danglebirds!” and point at a nearby clump of trees, filled with twittering black specks.  Then you don’t have to wait until you’ve decided what kind of danglebirds they are.  You might even alert someone who knows better than you do and can help out with ID. It also feels a little bit more scientific than pointing and mumbling, “Birds!”, especially if in the company of knowledgeable people.

It would also be a good term to put on bird feeders or foodstuffs like fatballs, “For danglebirds.”

Main picture shows some blue tit fledgelings honing their dangling skills. The top one has got the “upside-down” bit sussed but hasn’t yet got as far as the practical application of this skill to the feeder.