Answer:
It is an insect, and the first part of its name is the name of another insect. What is it?
With four oars it swims but it is always at home. Its back is like armor, tougher than chrome. What is it?
While I did live, I food did give, which many one did daily eat. Now being dead, you see they tread me under feet about the street.
Disgusting creatures that would survive a nuclear strike.
I have a tail. I can fly. I'm covered in colorful feathers. I can whistle and I can talk
Both old people and owls are said to be possessing this trait