Definition

Noun: A large seabird, specifically a variety of albatross, characterized by its clumsy appearance on land and its black feet.

Usage

The term "gooney bird" is a colloquial name used to refer to specific albatrosses, particularly those in the North Pacific. It is often used in informal contexts, maritime settings, or by birdwatchers. The name humorously highlights the bird's awkward, waddling gait on land compared to its grace in flight.

Examples

• The sailors watched the gooney bird follow the ship for days.
• Researchers are studying the nesting habits of the gooney bird on Midway Atoll.
• Despite being called a gooney bird, the albatross is a magnificent flyer.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metaphorically to describe a person who is clumsy or awkward in movement, though this is less common.
  • After putting on the oversized boots, he walked around like a gooney bird.

Variants and Related Words

• Gooney (noun): A shortened, informal form of "gooney bird."
• Goonie (noun): An alternative spelling.
• Black-footed albatross (noun): The more formal and specific common name for the primary species referred to as a gooney bird ().
• Laysan albatross (noun): Another albatross species () also commonly called a gooney bird.

Synonyms

• Albatross
• Black-footed albatross (for the specific species )
• Mollymawk (a general term for smaller albatrosses, sometimes used interchangeably in certain regions)

Idioms

• No direct idioms feature the term "gooney bird." The bird itself is sometimes referenced in maritime lore and slang for its persistent following of ships.

Noun

1. a variety of albatross with black feet