Mother Carey’s chickens

Nautical Term: Mother Carey’s chickens

Definition of Mother Carey’s chickens

Mother Carey’s chickens refer to small seabirds, often guillemots or murres, that are believed to herald bad weather and ill fortune at sea. For instance, if a mariner observed Mother Carey’s chickens flying inland, he would take this as a sign to prepare for a storm or other calamitous event.

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