1 tropic bird | Definition of tropic bird

tropic bird

noun

Definition of tropic bird

: any of a genus (Phaethon of the family Phaethontidae) of web-footed birds that are related to the pelicans, are found chiefly in tropical seas often far from land, and have mostly white satiny plumage marked with a little black, a greatly elongated central pair of tail feathers, and a brightly colored bill

Illustration of tropic bird

Illustration of tropic bird

Examples of tropic bird in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The whistles of tropic birds speak of things to come. — Ernest Slyman, New York Times, "Bronx Zoo," 21 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tropic bird.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of tropic bird

1624, in the meaning defined above

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More from Merriam-Webster on tropic bird

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tropic bird