English edit

Etymology edit

cock +‎ bird

Noun edit

cockbird (plural cockbirds)

  1. The male of a game bird, especially of a pheasant.
  2. The male of any bird.
    • 1934, Henry G. Lamond, An Aviary on the Plains, Sydney: Angus and Robertson, page 33:
      Then the old cock bird - he can be distinguished by his brighter plumage - hops out into full view.