precocial

[ pri-koh-shuhl ]

adjective

, Biology.

1. (of an animal species) active and able to move freely from birth or hatching and requiring little parental care ( altricial ).

precocial

/ prɪˈkəʊʃəl /

adjective

1. (of the young of some species of birds after hatching) covered with down, having open eyes, and capable of leaving the nest within a few days of hatching

noun

1. a precocial bird

precocial

/ prĭ-kō′shəl /

1. Born or hatched in a condition requiring relatively little parental care, as by having hair or feathers, open eyes, and the ability to move about. Water birds, reptiles, and herd animals usually have precocial young.
2. Compare altricial

Word History and Origins

Origin of precocial¹

First recorded in 1870–75; precoci(ous) + -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of precocial¹

C19: see precocious

Example Sentences

Young avocets are very precocial and leave the nest soon after hatching.

From Project Gutenberg

They were exceedingly active, a good example of precocial young.

From Project Gutenberg

Note the helpless altricial young of the robin; the independent precocial young of the quail.

From Project Gutenberg