boatswain bird: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowArchaic / Nautical / Technical (ornithology)
Quick answer
What does “boatswain bird” mean?
A tropical seabird, particularly the white-tailed tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus) or sometimes the red-billed tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tropical seabird, particularly the white-tailed tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus) or sometimes the red-billed tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus).
It can refer more broadly to tropicbirds in general. The name originates from sailors, likening the bird's call to a boatswain's whistle and its long tail feathers to a marlinspike (a boatswain's tool).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Virtually no difference; the term is equally archaic and specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes historical sailing lore, voyages, and tropical seas.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use outside of historical texts or niche maritime discussion.
Grammar
How to Use “boatswain bird” in a Sentence
The boatswain bird [verb: soared/cried/nested].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or maritime studies, rarely in ornithology.
Everyday
Almost never used.
Technical
May appear in older field guides or historical accounts of seafaring.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “boatswain bird”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “boatswain bird”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “boatswain bird”
- Mispronouncing 'boatswain' as 'boat-swain' instead of 'bosun'.
- Confusing it with other seabirds like frigatebirds or terns.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, modern birdwatchers and ornithologists use 'tropicbird'. 'Boatswain bird' is an archaic, chiefly nautical term.
It is pronounced 'bosun' (/ˈbəʊ.s(ə)n/ or /ˈboʊ.s(ə)n/), the same as the naval rank.
They are different families. Tropicbirds (boatswain birds) are mostly white with long tail streamers and dive for fish. Frigatebirds are black, with long, angular wings and are kleptoparasites.
Yes, historically it was used for different tropicbird species, most commonly the white-tailed, but sometimes the red-billed as well.
A tropical seabird, particularly the white-tailed tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus) or sometimes the red-billed tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus).
Boatswain bird is usually archaic / nautical / technical (ornithology) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
The Boatswain's whistle blew, and a bird with a long tail like a marlinspike flew by.
Conceptual Metaphor
BIRDS ARE SAILORS (specific: the tropicbird is a naval petty officer).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the term 'boatswain bird' today?