subsong

[suhb-sawng, -song]

noun

1. an unstructured, often rambling vocalization of low volume heard in young birds and, at the start of the breeding season, in adult birds of certain species.

subsong

/ ˈsʌbˌsɒŋ /

noun

1. a subdued form of birdsong modified from the full territorial song and used by some birds esp in courtship

Word History and Origins

Origin of subsong¹

sub- + song

Example Sentences

Parrots learn to speak them soon after birth, during a transitional period of vocalizing equivalent to human baby babbling known as ‘‘subsong,’’ in order to better communicate with members of their own flocks and with other flocks.

Read more on New York Times