ScienceAugust 15, 2026

curlews

KUR-looz

Definition

A type of long-legged wading bird known for its long, down-curved bill.

Etymology

The word originates from the Middle English 'curlew' and is likely imitative of the bird's characteristic, piercing cry.

In the news

The word is used to describe the 'bush stone-curlews' as one of the native wildlife species on Phillip Island that are threatened by the H5 bird flu outbreak.

Little penguin found dead with H5 bird flu on Victoria’s Phillip Island

Read the full article ↗

The Guardian

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