oscines
/ˈɑsɪˌniz/
noun
- A suborder of passerine birds that includes most songbirds, characterized by a complex syrinx that allows them to produce a wide variety of sounds.
- The oscines make up the largest group of birds, with over 4,000 species.
- Unlike suboscines, the oscines have a highly developed vocal organ.
- Scientists study the oscines to understand how birds learn and communicate through song.