The Bearded Reedling Is The Roundest Bird We Ever Did See

Instagram | @olssonstenman_photography

By Amy Pilkington, Diply

In the world of cutesy animal names there is often some confusion over categorization. For example, when is a doggo also a pupper, does that disqualify them from being a pupperino?

When it comes to the avian world, the main question is thus: "When does a birb become a borb?" At what stage of roundness does a bird's orb-like appearance merit a name change?

(Future linguists are going to be very confused by this era...)

I think we can all agree that the bearded reedling qualifies as a borb, though.

Instagram | @bird_drangsland

I'm no expert in linguistics, but I do have an honorary degree in Cuteology and I think that gives me enough clout to make such a decree. (Please don't ruin this for me with logic.)

They also go by the name bearded bushtits, which is a name I will not be using here for obvious reasons.

Instagram | @gers.energy

Also, they aren't related to the tit family of birds anyway. It's just a nickname they ended up with due to a similarity in appearance.

Though the term "bearded" is also a pretty loose description.

Instagram | @wallmika

The males have black patches on their face, but notably, not on their chins. You know, where a beard is usually found. This is closer to a mustache.

Their lady friends are equally round, but more of a solid pale orange shade.

Bearded reedlings are common throughout temperate Europe and some of Asia.

Instagram | @wallmika

They can be found in wetlands among the reeds that give them their name. Unlike many birds, they don't migrate. Their orb-like appearance is most easily seen in the winter, when they puff up their feathers for extra warmth.

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