perching bird

noun

1. any member of the avian order Passeriformes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of perching bird¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

It is difficult of definition, but almost any small perching bird may, with more or less certainty, be referred to the Passeres.

From Project Gutenberg

She perched on the stile as light as a perching bird, and drew her lithe figure on one side to make room for Paul.

From Project Gutenberg