The Origins and Misconceptions of the Idiom "Birdbrained"

Birdbrained is an idiom that refers to someone or something that is considered foolish, silly, or absurd. The term is often used to describe ideas or actions that are impractical or unwise.
The origin of the phrase "birdbrained" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the late 19th or early 20th century. One theory is that it was coined as a reference to the supposedly small size and simplicity of birds' brains, which were thought to be less capable of complex thought and decision-making than those of larger animals. However, this theory has been largely debunked by modern scientific understanding of bird intelligence, which suggests that many species of birds are highly intelligent and capable of complex problem-solving.
Despite its origins, the phrase "birdbrained" is now commonly used in a lighthearted or playful way to describe people or ideas that are considered foolish or impractical, rather than as a serious reference to brain size or intelligence.