gallinule

American  

[gal-uh-nool, -nyool] / ˈgæl əˌnul, -ˌnyul /

noun

1. any aquatic bird of the family Rallidae, having elongated, webless toes.

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gallinule British  

/ ˈɡælɪˌnjuːl /

noun

1. any of various aquatic birds of the genera Porphyrio and Porphyrula, typically having a dark plumage, red bill, and a red shield above the bill: family Rallidae (rails)

2. the US name for moorhen

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Etymology

Origin of gallinule

1770–80; < New Latin Gallinula a genus name, Late Latin gallīnula chicken, equivalent to Latin gallīn ( a ) hen + -ula -ule

Example Sentences

Elaine, who visited the Everglades occasionally when she lived in Miami, knows a purple gallinule when she sees one.

From New York Times • Jun. 21, 2023

Those who live in or near high-rises often find birds that flew into the buildings at night, and two birds — a peregrine falcon and a common gallinule — were among the most noteworthy donations.

From Washington Post • Dec. 21, 2016

Rail and gallinule may be shot in New York and Washington throughout October and November.

From Time Magazine Archive

He took my reproof in good part, protesting that he had had only a glimpse of the bird, and had taken it for a possible gallinule.

From A Florida Sketch-Book by Torrey, Bradford

First he rowed me up the "creek," under promise to show me alligators, moccasins, and no lack of birds, including the especially desired purple gallinule.

From A Florida Sketch-Book by Torrey, Bradford