Nestling

A nestling is a young bird that has not yet developed the feathers necessary for flight and is still dependent on its parents for food and care. It's typically found in a nest, vulnerable and unable to fend for itself. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a dependent or inexperienced person or thing, often in a nurturing or protected environment. Nestlings are characterized by their open mouths, constant chirping, and reliance on their parents' provision. They are the stage after hatching and before fledging. The term evokes images of vulnerability and parental devotion.

Nestling meaning with examples

• The ornithologist carefully approached the robin's nest, observing the nestlings with wide-open beaks, eagerly awaiting their next meal. Their dependence on the parents was absolute, a daily cycle of foraging and feeding. The mother bird hopped back and forth feeding the tiny nestlings. It was a display of nature’s intimate care for her young ones.
• She considered her new puppy a nestling, providing a cozy bed and gentle training. He was clumsy and reliant, the center of her attention. It was vital to introduce the puppy to various new things at this early stage so the puppy would be able to socialize as it matured. She was providing a nurturing environment to ensure his healthy development.
• The software company viewed its new product as a nestling, requiring constant support and refinement. Its success depended on the nurturing of developers and a solid marketing plan. The marketing team was very careful about how to get the new nestling product into the consumer's eye. They needed this nestling to thrive in a competitive market.
• The young artist felt like a nestling in the art world, seeking guidance from established mentors. She had a lot to learn and needed to hone her skills before she could compete. Her talent showed a lot of promise but she still lacked the experience that other artists had. Her artistic nestling was very vulnerable.