woodhen

English

Etymology

From Middle English wodhen, from Old English wuduhenn (woodhen, quail), equivalent to wood + hen.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈwʊd.hɛn/

Noun

woodhen (plural woodhens)

  1. Any of the species Hypotaenidia sylvestris (syns. Gallirallus sylvestris, Tricholimnas sylvestris, Ocydromus sylvestris) of rails in the family Rallidae endemic to Lord Howe Island, Australia.
    • 2005, Sean Dooley, The Big Twitch, Sydney: Allen and Unwin, page 233:
      The story of the woodhen is one outstanding conservation triumph in a plethora of tragedy.

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