1. A wading bird of Central and South America, related to the rails and cranes, with long legs and a long neck.
Usage: Also called a limpkin.; Ornithological term.

Examples

• The courlan is known for its distinctive loud call that echoes through wetlands.
• Birdwatchers in Florida sometimes spot the courlan hunting for freshwater snails.
• The courlan's long toes help it walk across soft marsh vegetation.
• A courlan was observed wading through the shallow water in search of food.