Definition
oldsquaw
noun
- A diving duck (Clangula hyemalis) of northern regions, the male of which has white and dark plumage and the female brownish plumage.
Usage: ornithology; Also called long-tailed duck; the term 'oldsquaw' is considered dated or potentially offensive by some modern ornithologists
Examples
- The oldsquaw is a hardy duck that winters in northern waters.
- Birdwatchers spotted a flock of oldsquaws diving for food near the ice floes.
- The male oldsquaw displays striking black and white plumage during breeding season.
- Oldsquaws are known for their loud, distinctive calls across frozen lakes.
- In recent years, ornithologists have increasingly adopted the name 'long-tailed duck' instead of oldsquaw.