ܬܰܪ tr tar swallow
NP tar(r) a bird (Horn 86), as already tentatively suggested by Duval; cf. Schapka 1972, 44 no. 137. As regards the semantics of the Syr. term, PS Comp. 619 explains: “a bird inhabiting the river-bank, feeding on gnats and flies, and which, whether perching or flying, has the wings in constant movement, perhaps a water-wagtail” ● Nat 25, 5; BB 2088, 10 ◆ LS 833b; Duval index pers. 215
According to Horn 86, NP tar is comparable with Lat. sturnus, NHG staar; on the other hand, Schapka 1972, 44 no. 137 puts forward a different etymon, namely he derives the Pers. word from OIr. *tarna-, OInd. tarṇa-, tarṇaka- young of animal, related to Av. tauruna- young of men or animals (AirWb 643).