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limpkin

limpkin

1 9.9
A large brown wading bird with a long curved bill and a loud wailing call
  • noun
  • /ˈlɪmpkɪn/
  • US
: limpkin
  • Birdwatchers flock to Florida to catch a glimpse of the rare limpkin in its natural habitat.

Examples

  • Look at that limpkin hunting for food!

  • The eerie call of the limpkin echoed across the Florida wetlands at dusk.

  • Unlike herons, the limpkin has a distinctive, drooping bill and a louder, mournful cry.

  • We spotted a limpkin beside the marsh, searching for snails in the shallow water.

  • The limpkin wades through the shallow waters.

  • While canoeing in the marsh, I spotted a limpkin wading through the shallow water.

  • The distinctive call of the limpkin echoed through the wetlands during my early morning hike.

Synonyms

Aramus guarauna
vslimpkin
  • Specialized
9.9

A large wading bird from Central and South American wetlands with a loud, repeating call

identifies the same bird as native specifically to Florida Cuba and Jamaica
Aramus pictus
vslimpkin
  • Specialized
9.9

A bird that lives in marshes with long legs, a curved bill, and a loud wailing call that eats snails

describes the same bird but with a slightly curved bill instead of drooping

Surface Forms

limpkin singular
limpkins plural

Etymology

Limpkin is easy to remember if you break it into limp (to 'walk unevenly') and the little ending -kin (meaning 'small'). A helpful way to remember the bird is to picture a small, long-billed wader that looks a bit awkward on land and gives a loud, mournful call, so the name fits its ungainly walk and sound.