Guanay

/ɡwɑːˈnaɪ/ noun

Definition

A large seabird found along the Pacific coast of South America, particularly off Peru, known for its role in producing guano deposits.

Etymology

From Spanish 'guanay,' which comes from Quechua 'wanay,' the indigenous word for this cormorant species that has been important to Andean coastal peoples for centuries.

Kelly Says

Guanayes were so productive at creating guano deposits that their droppings became Peru's biggest export in the 1800s—so much so that wars were fought over guano islands, and this one bird species shaped world history!

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