kuovi

Kuovi is a Finnish word that primarily refers to the curlew, a type of wading bird. There are several species of curlew, but in Finland, the most common is likely the Eurasian curlew (Numenius arquata). These birds are characterized by their long, downcurved bills, which they use to probe for invertebrates in mud and soil. They are typically found in open habitats such as wetlands, meadows, and coastal areas. The curlew is known for its distinctive, haunting call, which can often be heard across open landscapes. In Finnish folklore and culture, the curlew sometimes features as a symbol of the countryside or the changing seasons. The word "kuovi" itself is onomatopoeic, possibly imitating the bird's call. While "kuovi" directly translates to curlew, in a broader or more colloquial sense, it might occasionally be used to refer to other large wading birds with long bills, though this is less precise.