Cahow is a word that has an interesting spelling based on the pronunciation. The word is pronounced /ˈkeɪˌhaʊ/, and the spelling reflects this with the 'c' and 'a' at the beginning and the 'ow' at the end. The 'h' in the middle is necessary to indicate the distinction between the two syllables. The word refers to a type of seabird found off the coast of Bermuda, with its name possibly arising from a combination of the bird's call and the non-doctrinal use of the word "cow" by Bermudians to describe something awkward or clumsy.
The term "cahow" refers to a species of seabird known as the Cahow, scientifically named Pterodroma cahow. This bird is also commonly referred to as the Bermuda petrel or the cahow petrel. It is endemic to the island of Bermuda in the western North Atlantic Ocean.
The Cahow is a medium-sized seabird measuring about 16 inches in length with a wingspan of approximately 38 inches. It possesses a dark brown to black plumage with a white belly and distinct long wings. This species is nocturnal and spends the majority of its life at sea, only coming to land for breeding purposes.
Historically, the Cahow was believed to be extinct for almost three centuries, until its re-discovery in 1951. Today, conservation efforts have been successful in stabilizing and increasing the population of this critically endangered bird. The Cahow typically nests in burrows, digging its own tunnels into the limestone cliffs of Bermuda.
Due to its remote and secluded breeding habitat, the Cahow faces threats from invasive species, habitat loss, and climate change. Conservation organizations and the local government have implemented protective measures, including habitat restoration and predator control, to ensure the survival of this species. The Cahow's dark and enigmatic history, along with its unique characteristics and conservation status, make it a subject of fascination and interest among bird enthusiasts and researchers.
The word "cahow" is derived from the English pronunciation of the Portuguese word "cagarro". "Cagarro" is a term used in the Azores archipelago, a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean, to refer to a particular species of seabird known as the Cory's shearwater (Calonectris borealis). The name "cahow" was adopted as a common name for this species in Bermuda, where the birds were historically abundant. The cahow is the national bird of Bermuda and holds cultural significance for the island.