Chauna

/tʃaʊnə/ noun

Definition

A large South American water bird related to geese, characterized by a distinctive call and white head markings.

Etymology

From Tupi, an indigenous South American language. The word preserves the original name given by native peoples of Brazil and Paraguay to this distinctive waterfowl.

Kelly Says

The chauna is like a honking tank—it can weigh 25 pounds and has bony spurs on its wings that it uses like medieval armor when defending its territory from other birds.

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