Editing Boobrie (section)

{{Short description|Mythological shapeshifting entity in Scotland}}
{{good article}}
[[File:Wormius' Great Auk.jpg|thumb|upright 1.1|alt=illustration of a great auk|A [[great auk]], which may be the source for descriptions of the boobrie]]
The '''boobrie'''  is a mythological [[shapeshifter|shapeshifting]] entity inhabiting the [[loch]]s of the west coast of Scotland. It commonly adopts the appearance of a gigantic water bird resembling a [[cormorant]] or [[great northern diver]], but it can also materialise in the form of various other mythological creatures such as a [[water bull]].

A generally malevolent entity, the boobrie typically preys on livestock being transported on ships, but it is also fond of otters, of which it consumes a considerable number. In its manifestation as a [[water horse]] the creature is able to gallop across the top of lochs as if on solid ground. During the summer months it is seen infrequently as a large insect, sucking the blood of horses.

Folklorist [[John Francis Campbell|Campbell of Islay]] has speculated that descriptions of the boobrie may be based on sightings of the [[great auk]]. The bellowing sound made by the boobrie, more like a bull than a bird, may have its origin in the strange call of the common [[bittern]], which was a rare visitor to Scotland.