limpkin

noun

limp·​kin ˈlim(p)-kən 

: a large brown wading bird (Aramus guarauna) of southern Georgia, Florida, and Central and South America that resembles a bittern but has a longer slightly curved bill, longer neck and legs, and white stripes on head and neck

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Wildlife-lovers flock to Brazos Bend to check out the swampy wetlands and woodlands and hang with alligators, armadillos and a limpkin. —Diana Spechler, Chron, 14 Oct. 2021

The limpkin's unmistakable voice was said to be audible at 500 yards (about a third of a mile). —Jim Williams, Star Tribune, 15 June 2021

Egrets, turkeys, herons, limpkin and ducks are among some of the birds visitors might see during their park visit. —Patrick Connolly, orlandosentinel.com, 13 Aug. 2019

Guests may also see mullet leaping out of the water; herons and limpkin foraging for food; and turtles basking on sunny logs. —Patrick Connolly, orlandosentinel.com, 13 Aug. 2019

There were the usual citizens of kingfishers, turtles, limpkins, herons, big fish and others. —Kevin Spear, OrlandoSentinel.com, 1 June 2018

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from limp entry 1

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above