wheatear

(hwēt′ir′, wēt′-)

noun

any of a genus (Oenanthe) of small, long-legged, migrating thrushes native to the Old World, esp. a species (O. oenanthe) now in North America

Origin: earlier white ears < white + eeres, ers, var. of arse: in reference to its white rump

See wheatear in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A small thrush (Oenanthe oenanthe) having a gray back, buff breast, and white rump, found in open areas of most northern regions.

Origin:

Origin: Back-formation from earlier wheatears (taken as pl.)

Origin: : probably by folk etymology from white

Origin: + arse

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