General
bird colonel
What does bird colonel mean?
A colonel (O-6), whose rank insignia is an eagle, distinguishing them from a lieutenant colonel who wears an oak leaf.
"A bird colonel showed up to inspect the battalion."
Origin
US military slang, from the eagle ('bird') device.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'bird colonel'?
It's a full colonel (pay grade O-6), so called because the rank insignia is a silver eagle — the 'bird.'
What's the difference between a bird colonel and a lieutenant colonel?
A bird colonel (O-6) wears an eagle, while a lieutenant colonel (O-5) wears a silver oak leaf. The nickname distinguishes the full colonel from the junior rank.
Is 'bird colonel' also called 'full bird'?
Yes — 'full bird' or 'full-bird colonel' is a common variant, again emphasizing the eagle insignia of a full colonel.
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