How Do You Spell MUTTON BIRD?

Pronunciation: [mˈʌtən bˈɜːd] (IPA)

Mutton bird is a type of bird commonly found in the southern hemisphere. The spelling of this word might be confusing due to its pronunciation. The IPA phonetic transcription of mutton bird is /ˈmʌtən bɜːd/. The first syllable resembles the word ‘mutt’ and is followed by ‘-en’ and ‘bird’. The vowel sound in the third syllable, ‘-en’, is prolonged, and the letter ‘t’ is silent. Despite its ambiguous spelling, mutton bird tastes delicious and is often used in traditional cuisines in Australia and New Zealand.

MUTTON BIRD Meaning and Definition

1. A mutton bird refers to a type of seabird that belongs to the genus Puffinus, also known as shearwaters or petrels. These birds are commonly found in various coastal regions around the world, particularly in the southern hemisphere. They are known for their migratory habits, covering vast distances during their annual journeys.

   The name "mutton bird" originates from the colonial era when European settlers observed the bird's unique taste and fatty meat, which resembles the flavor and texture of mutton. While the term "mutton bird" is often used as a blanket term, it can refer to different species within the Puffinus genus, varying by region. Some notable species include the short-tailed shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris) in Australia and the sooty shearwater (Puffinus griseus) in New Zealand.

   Due to their migratory behavior, mutton birds generally breed on remote islands or coastal colonies, returning to the same nesting sites year after year, often in large numbers. They primarily feed on fish, squid, and other marine creatures, using their streamlined bodies and long wings to skim effortlessly across the ocean's surface. Mutton birds have dark feathers, a hooked bill, and a distinct wailing call, which makes them easily recognizable.

   In certain regions, particularly Australia and New Zealand, mutton birds hold cultural and economic importance. They are harvested for their meat, eggs, and feathers by indigenous communities and commercial industries, often providing a significant source of sustenance and income.

2. Sooty petrel, a bird of the southern Pacific islands, living most of the year in the Antarctic; it has a layer of fat beneath the skin from which an oil is extracted which has been used as a substitute for cod-liver oil.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for MUTTON BIRD

• nutton bird
• kutton bird
• jutton bird
• mytton bird
• mhtton bird
• mjtton bird
• mitton bird
• m8tton bird
• m7tton bird
• murton bird
• mufton bird
• mugton bird
• muyton bird
• mu6ton bird
• mu5ton bird
• mutron bird
• mutfon bird
• mutgon bird
• mutyon bird
• mut6on bird

Etymology of MUTTON BIRD

The word "mutton bird" has an interesting etymology. "Mutton" comes from the Old French word "mouton", which means "sheep". The word was borrowed from Old English "mūtūn", also meaning "sheep". "Bird", on the other hand, originates from the Old English word "brid", which referred broadly to any young animal or offspring. Over time, "brid" evolved to specifically denote young birds.

The term "mutton bird" itself is primarily used to refer to certain species of birds called shearwaters, particularly in Australia and New Zealand. These birds are known for their fatty flesh, which is said to have a flavor resembling that of mutton or lamb. Hence, the name "mutton bird" suggests the association between the fatty flesh of the shearwaters and the taste of mutton.