crocodile bird

noun

: an African bird (Pluvianus aegyptius) that is related to the pratincoles and lights on the crocodile and eats its insect parasites

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crocodile bird was in 1868

Dictionary Entries Near crocodile bird

crocodile

crocodile bird

crocodile clip

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Cite this Entry

“Crocodile bird.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crocodile%20bird. Accessed 22 Mar. 2023.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about crocodile bird

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