(Heb. shahaph), from a root meaning "to be lean; slender." This bird is mentioned only in Le 11:16; De 14:15 (R.V., "seamew"). Some have interpreted the Hebrew word by "petrel" or "shearwater" (Puffinus cinereus), which is found on the coast of Syria; others think it denotes the "sea-gull" or "seamew." The common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) feeds on reptiles and large insects. It is found in Asia and Africa as well as in Europe. It only passes the winter in Palestine. The Arabs suppose it to utter the cry Yakub, and hence they call it tir el-Yakub; i.e., "Jacob's bird."

shachaph; Le 11:16; De 14:15; unclean. Rather the Greek cepphus of Aristotle, a large petrel, as the Puffinus cinereus. From a root "to be slender", "light of body" like a gull, whose body is small compared with its apparent size and outspread wings; it skims the waves, seeking its food in the agitated water. Andouini's gull, abounding on the shores of Syria (Tristram), a more likely bird than the storm petrel, which is seldom seen on land.

shachaph. Only named in scripture as an unclean bird not to be eaten. Some have supposed that a marine bird is alluded to: the R.V. has 'seamew.' There are however cuckoos in the land, and called also by that name, because of their cry. Le 11:16; De 14:15.

Cuckoo,

Le 11:16; De 14:15

the name of some of the larger petrels which abound in the east of the Mediterranean.