Tüdékelni

Tüdékelni is a Hungarian verb that describes the action of a bird, specifically a young bird still in the nest, feeding itself. It implies a fledgling's first attempts at taking food, often with some clumsiness or struggle. The word is derived from "tüde," which historically referred to a young bird or a fledgling.

The act of tüdékelni is a significant developmental milestone for young birds. It signifies their growing independence from their parents and their increasing ability to survive on their own. While the parents may still provide some food, the fledgling's own efforts to tüdékelni are crucial for its eventual departure from the nest. The term captures the inherent awkwardness and earnestness of this learning process, highlighting the instinctual drive for sustenance even in young, inexperienced creatures.

In a broader, metaphorical sense, "tüdékelni" can sometimes be used to describe any young or inexperienced being's early, often unrefined, attempts at self-sufficiency or learning a new skill. However, its primary and most common usage remains tied to the ornithological context of young birds feeding themselves. The word carries a sense of gentle observation of a natural process, emphasizing growth and the journey towards independence.