spinetail

Spinetail \Spine"tail`\, n. (Zool.)
   (a) Any one or several species of swifts of the genus
       {Acanthylis}, or {Chaetura}, and allied genera, in which
       the shafts of the tail feathers terminate in rigid
       spines.
   (b) Any one of several species of South American and Central
       American clamatorial birds belonging to {Synallaxis} and
       allied genera of the family {Dendrocolaptidae}. They are
       allied to the ovenbirds.
   (c) The ruddy duck. [Local, U.S.]
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Ruddy \Rud"dy\, a. [Compar. {Ruddier}; superl. {Ruddiest}.] [AS.
   rudig. See {Rud}, n.]
   1. Of a red color; red, or reddish; as, a ruddy sky; a ruddy
      flame. --Milton.
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            They were more ruddy in body than rubies. --Lam. iv.
                                                  7.
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   2. Of a lively flesh color, or the color of the human skin in
      high health; as, ruddy cheeks or lips. --Dryden.
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   {Ruddy duck} (Zool.), an American duck ({Erismatura rubida})
      having a broad bill and a wedge-shaped tail composed of
      stiff, sharp feathers. The adult male is rich brownish red
      on the back, sides, and neck, black on the top of the
      head, nape, wings, and tail, and white on the cheeks. The
      female and young male are dull brown mixed with blackish
      on the back; grayish below. Called also {dunbird},
      {dundiver}, {ruddy diver}, {stifftail}, {spinetail},
      {hardhead}, {sleepy duck}, {fool duck}, {spoonbill}, etc.
      

   {Ruddy plover} (Zool.) the sanderling.
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