Cormorant character 鷧

It names the cormorant, a waterbird that dives for fish.

Chinese dictionaries record 鷧 as another name for 鸕鶿 (鸬鹚 in simplified Chinese), and list 鶿鷧 as a name for the same bird. The one-character form feels literary and dictionary-like. In its written structure, 壹 supplies the sound while 鳥 marks the bird.

For 鷧's origin, a 2010 study of ancient Chinese writing argues that an oracle-bone sign—a bird shape carved on bones and turtle shells for divination—was an early form of 鷧. It reads the sign as a cormorant from its long bill, wings and webbed feet, then traces it into writing from Chu, one of the rival states of China's Warring States period. The earliest example it cites is the 鄂君啟節 inscription; this identification is a scholarly reconstruction.

Is 𪆖 another form of 鷧?

Yes. 𪆖 is a recorded variant spelling of 鷧.

Both forms name the same cormorant; when quoting a source, retain the form it uses.

What does 鷧 mean when someone sends it?

It names the bird, but gives no clue to the sender’s mood.

In a message about Chinese vocabulary, an old text, or birds, the cormorant reading fits. If 鷧 is sent alone, ask what the sender means.