rookery

[ rook-uh-ree ]

noun

, plural rook·er·ies.

1. a breeding place or colony of gregarious birds or animals, as penguins and seals.
2. a colony of rooks.
3. a place where rooks congregate to breed.
4. a crowded tenement house.

rookery

/ ˈrʊkərɪ /

noun

1. a group of nesting rooks
2. a clump of trees containing rooks' nests
3. 1. a breeding ground or communal living area of certain other species of gregarious birds or mammals, esp penguins or seals
   2. a colony of any such creatures
4. archaic.
   an overcrowded slum tenement building or area of housing

rookery

/ rk′ə-rē /

1. A place where certain birds or animals, such as crows, penguins, and seals, gather to breed.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rookery¹

First recorded in 1715–25; rook ¹ + -ery

Example Sentences

For the study, scientists collected brain samples from four sea lions, one fur seal and a tern found dead at the most affected sea lion rookery in Argentina.

From Science Daily

In a wildlife camera set up last year near the seal rookery at MacKerricher State Park, ecologist Frankie Gerraty captured a coyote decapitating its prey, confirming many researchers’ hypotheses about the maimed seal carcasses.

From Los Angeles Times

The females, they say, may make lots of connections at the rookeries where they congregate to give birth.

From Science Magazine

Point La Jolla, known as one of California’s prime sea lion rookeries, will no longer be accessible to the public after a unanimous vote by the San Diego City Council.

From Los Angeles Times

The declining water level uncovered a land bridge connecting an island rookery to the shore.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hatchery