rare bird

Calque of Latin rāra avis.

rare bird (plural rare birds)

1. An unusual or exceptional person or thing.

   Synonym: rara avis

   • 1977, “106 Beats That”, in Pink Flag, performed by Wire:

     Finds it more physical, that's an important word / Always seen first then heard / Such a rare bird

   • 2010 October 14, “Coming back to bite him”, in The Economist:

     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.

• strange bird