Definition

Noun: 1. A very large seabird: The solan goose is a specific name for the northern gannet (Morus bassanus), a large, predominantly white seabird with black wing tips, known for its dramatic plunge-diving to catch fish.

Usage and Examples

• As a subject or object: The term identifies the bird species.
  • We watched a solan goose dive into the sea from a great height.
  • The cliffs were noisy with the calls of solan geese.
• In descriptive context: Used to specify the type of bird being discussed.
  • The solan goose is one of the largest seabirds in the North Atlantic.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Literary Usage: "Solan goose" is a traditional or regional name, more commonly used in historical texts, literature, or in specific locales like Scotland. The modern standard term in ornithology is "northern gannet."
  • In the old sailor's tale, a solan goose was seen as an omen.

Variants and Related Words

• Northern gannet: The modern, scientific common name for the same bird species ().
• Gannet: The general family name for related seabirds, which includes the solan goose/northern gannet.

Synonyms

• Northern gannet

Notes on Meaning

• The term refers exclusively to the northern gannet. It is not a general term for a goose but is a specific historical name for this particular type of gannet. The "goose" in the name is a misnomer based on its size and coastal habitat, not its biological classification.

Noun

1. very large white gannet with black wing tips