Precoces

Precoces are birds that are able to run immediately after hatching and to feed themselves shortly afterwards.

Birds which nest on the ground often fall into this category, and many wader and game birds are precocial.

On the other hand, birds that nest in relatively secure sites such as tree nests and holes, such as woodpeckers, owls and many passerines, hatch in an immature state and are unable to feed themselves for some time. They are called altricial.