pectoral sandpiper

noun

1. an American sandpiper, Calidris melanotos, the male of which, when courting, inflates its chest conspicuously.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pectoral sandpiper¹

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

Example Sentences

Of the Pectoral Sandpiper's nesting habits, little has been known until recently.

From Project Gutenberg

Occasionally she would take a short flight about me and utter a note very similar to the rattling call of the pectoral sandpiper.

From Project Gutenberg