pre·co·cial (pr -k  sh l)adj. Covered with down and capable of moving about when hatched. Used of wading birds and domestic fowl. [From New Latin praecoc  s, precocial birds, from pl. of Latin praecox, premature; see precocious.] |
precocial [prɪˈkəʊʃəl]
adj
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) (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
n
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) a precocial bird Compare altricial
[see precocious]
| precocial (pr-kshl) 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. Compare altricial. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Adj. | 1. | precocial - (of hatchlings) covered with down and having eyes open; capable of leaving the nest within a few days altricial - (of hatchlings) naked and blind and dependent on parents for food |
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