sea swallow

noun

any of several terns, especially Sterna hirundo.
British Dialect. any of several small petrels, especially the storm petrel, Hydrobates pelagicus.

sea swallow

First recorded in 1590–1600

One of the finest being the swift sea swallow, with its lovely grey feathers, forked tail, and long graceful wings.

Any moment the ice may crumble beneath our feet and the sea swallow up the entire party.

We also met with here the common sea-gull, sea-swallow, tern, and Port Egmont hen; the last of which were tame and numerous.

The sea-swallow, whirling through the azure heavens, soars thus over the blade of grass that marks its nest.

"Yonder is a sea-swallow, flying away across the water," said the children when they saw the white bird.

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