altricial, a. Ornith.
(ælˈtrɪʃ(ɪ)əl)
[f. mod.L. Altrices division of birds, f. L. altric-, altrix, fem. of altor nourisher (alĕre to nourish) + -al.]
= nidicolous a.: opp. præcocial a., q.v.
| 1872 Coues N. Amer. Birds 224 Pigeons are altricial, and monogamous. 1884 Ibid. (ed. 2) ii. §3. 88 Altricial birds such as are reared by the parents in the nest. 1885 Athenæum 1 Aug. 146/2 The altricial herons. 1902 [see præcocial a.] |