Call-bird

A 'call-bird' is a bird, typically a decoy, used to lure other birds, especially game birds, into a trap or within shooting range. This practice, common in hunting, utilizes the call-bird's familiar song or presence to attract members of its species, increasing the likelihood of a successful hunt. The call-bird's role is solely to act as bait, often confined and exposed to risk. The term extends figuratively to describe individuals used strategically to attract others, often for deceptive or exploitative purposes.

Call-bird meaning with examples

• The hunter placed the call-bird in a cage near the duck blind, its familiar quacks drawing in unsuspecting waterfowl. This allowed for a successful hunting trip.
• Knowing her son was struggling socially, she used a call-bird, a popular classmate, to lure him into social gatherings and potentially make new friends.
• The police used a call-bird, an undercover agent, to gather evidence against the suspected criminals and set up the final raid.
• In a complex business scheme, the con artist used several investors as call-birds to attract larger, more significant investments.
• The old trapper carefully positioned the call-bird, a beautifully colored finch, near the snare, hoping to catch more of its kind.