tropicbird

/ ˈtrɒpɪkˌbɜːd /

noun

1. any aquatic bird of the tropical family Phaethontidae , having long slender tail feathers and a white plumage with black markings: order Pelecaniformes (pelicans, cormorants, etc)

Word History and Origins

Origin of tropicbird¹

C17: so called because it is found in the tropical regions

Example Sentences

A single red-billed tropicbird, a species commonly seen in the Caribbean and tropical oceans, has been seen off the Maine coast in the summer for years.

From Washington Post

A single red-billed tropicbird, a species commonly seen in the Caribbean and tropical oceans, has been seen off Maine in the summer for years.

From Seattle Times

Ms. Miller planned to turn the tropicbird over to Mr. Sweet, who was eager to collect as many accidental visitors as possible.

From New York Times

The red-tailed tropicbird of Christmas Island is known for its acrobatics.

From New York Times

“It looked similar to a tern species and then I saw the long tail,” she said of the tropicbird.

From New York Times