noun

ovenbird

OH-vuhn-burd

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Ovenbird (noun) means an American warbler, Seiurus aurocapilla, that builds a dome-shaped nest of vegetation. Example: “The ovenbird's loud, repeated call is a familiar sound in North American woodland.”

noun

An American warbler, Seiurus aurocapilla, that builds a dome-shaped nest of vegetation.

"The ovenbird's loud, repeated call is a familiar sound in North American woodland."

"An ovenbird nests on the forest floor rather than in a tree."

"Birdwatchers listen for the ovenbird's distinctive song in summer."

Any bird belonging to the Furnariidae family, found across Central and South America.

"Many Furnariidae ovenbirds build the oven-shaped nests that give the group its common name."

"The ovenbird family includes a huge range of species across South America."

"An ovenbird's nest can look remarkably like a small clay oven."

How to use ovenbird

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA bird named for its dome-shaped, oven-like nest, either a North American warbler or a whole Central and South American family.

When to use it

Ovenbird is a standard, neutral term used by birdwatchers and ornithologists.

Memory tip

Context tells you which ovenbird is meant: North America usually means the warbler, while Central and South America usually means the Furnariidae family.

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Common pairings

an ovenbird's nest the ovenbird family an ovenbird's song

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “ovenbird” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____'s loud, repeated call is a familiar sound in North American woodland.

Etymology

Ovenbird combines oven and bird, describing the dome-shaped nest that these birds build, which resembles a small oven.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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furnariid

Frequently asked questions

What is an ovenbird?

An ovenbird can refer to the American warbler Seiurus aurocapilla, which nests on the forest floor, or to any bird in the Central and South American family Furnariidae.

Why is it called an ovenbird?

The name comes from oven and bird, referring to a nest shaped like a small domed oven.

Where do ovenbirds live?

The warbler species breeds in North American woodland, while the Furnariidae ovenbirds are found across Central and South America.

What is the meaning of ovenbird?

"ovenbird" (noun) means an American warbler, Seiurus aurocapilla, that builds a dome-shaped nest of vegetation.