rare bird

English

Etymology

From rare + bird, translating (deprecated template usage) [etyl] Latin rara avis.

Noun

rare bird (plural rare birds)

1. An unusual or exceptional person or thing; a rara avis.
   • 2010, "Coming back to bite him", The Economist, 14 Oct 2010:

     This makes him a rare bird, for most Democrats running for re-election are staying mum or apologising for their votes for reform.

2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see rare,‎ bird.

Translations

unusual or exceptional person or thing — see rara avis