blackcock
9.9
A male bird with dark feathers that lives in open land in Europe and Asia
- noun
- /ˈblæk.kɒk/
- UK
:
gallo de las nieves
- During the mating season, the blackcock displays its vibrant plumage to attract females.
Examples
-
Ornithologists observed the blackcock performing its distinctive courtship dance in the early morning.
-
The blackcock can often be seen in the heather-covered moors of Scotland.
-
But it stars Jack Blackcock.
Synonyms
1
8.5
A large bird from Europe and Asia whose male is blue-black with a curved tail
is specifically the male of that species rather than the species itself
9.9
A large bird from northern Europe with black feathers and a curved tail
is the male bird of that species rather than its species name
8.7
A large black bird from northern Europe with a tail that curves like a lyre
is the male bird across Europe and Asia rather than a regional form
Surface Forms
blackcock singular
blackcocks plural
Etymology
Blackcock comes from the simple parts black ('black') and cock ('male bird'), the same cock you see in words like 'rooster' or 'cockerel'. So a blackcock is the male of the black grouse, a large bird with dark feathers that performs a showy dance in spring.