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Webster 1913 Edition


Sheathbill

Sheath′billˊ

,
Noun.
(Zool.)
Either one of two species of birds composing the genus
Chionis
, and family
Chionidae
, native of the islands of the Antarctic seas.
☞ They are related to the gulls and the plovers, but more nearly to the latter. The base of the bill is covered with a saddle-shaped horny sheath, and the toes are only slightly webbed. The plumage of both species is white.

Definition 2024


sheathbill

sheathbill

English

Noun

sheathbill (plural sheathbills)

  1. Either of two species of scavenging birds in the family Chionididae which breed only on the Antarctic Peninsula and subantarctic islands.

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