cahow

[ kuh-hou ]

noun

1. a rare petrel, Pterodroma cahow, of islets off Bermuda, until recently thought to have become extinct.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cahow¹

First recorded in 1605–15; imitative

Example Sentences

Thanks to people keeping an eye on the live feed, researchers learned about a flatworm that invaded a cahow nest one year.

From Slate

Because the Cahow Recovery Program has been such a success, conservationists around the world are implementing similar programs to save a variety of birds.

From Slate

Over the past two decades, Madeiros has dedicated his career to conserving the Bermuda cahow—the archipelago’s national bird, which doesn’t exist anywhere else on the planet.

From Slate

Historical records show that the Spanish mistook the harsh cries of the cahow for demons and the souls of shipwrecked sailors, and this kept them from settling the island.

From Slate

However, they brought with them hogs that preyed on the cahow.

From Slate