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Scots Language Centre Centre for the Scots Leid

Scots bird names diminutives

Many bird names in Scotland are shortened and given an 'ie' suffix. The folowing list are some of the examples given in the attached interview.  

Shortie - short-eared owl
Shelfie - chaffinch
Blackie - blackbird
Bullie - bullfinch
Skittery feltie - mistle thrush
Corbie - raven
Cushie or cushie doo - wood pigeon
Hoodie - crow
Stankie or water hen - moorhen
Jaickie - jackdaw
Weetie - willow warbler
Phasie - pheasant
Blue-dykie - dunnock
Cuttie wren - wren
Lintie - linnet
Goldie - goldfinch
Greenie - greenfinch
Mavie - song thrush
Peasie - lapwing
Mossie - meadow pipit
Stuckie - starling
 

  • diminutives

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