precocial

American  

[pri-koh-shuhl] / prɪˈkoʊ ʃəl /

adjective

Biology.

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

---

precocial British  

/ 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 Scientific  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of precocial

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

Compare meaning

How does precocial compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• altricial vs. precocial

Example Sentences

The findings indicate that Lystrosaurus hatchlings were likely precocial, meaning they were born at an advanced stage of development.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

Ducks are what scientists call precocial birds — capable of feeding, swimming and walking soon after hatching.

From New York Times • Jun. 22, 2022

As with all rules, these have exceptions: mice are not top predators but have helpless young, and Finlay says that guinea pig young are actually pretty precocial.

From National Geographic • Aug. 28, 2015

A chick freshly hatched from the egg is precocial, walking around, eating and peep-peeping up a storm.

From Washington Post • Aug. 25, 2015

In contrast, ducks and geese are precocial and can feed, walk and swim within moments of hatching.

From New York Times • Apr. 4, 2012