Meaning
A heron or egret — the tall, long-necked, long-legged wading bird, usually white, seen standing still and patient in wetlands, ponds, riverbanks, and cattle pastures before spearing a fish or a frog. A familiar sight across the Jamaican countryside, the gaulin (especially the white cattle egret that follows the cows) is woven into folk sayings and song, its elegant, watchful stance and sudden strike well known to every country person.
Examples
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A gaulin a stand up inna di pond.
A heron is standing in the pond.
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Di gaulin follow di cow inna di field.
The egret follows the cattle in the field.
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White gaulin fly ova di marsh.
White egrets flew over the marsh.
Origin
From 'gaulding', an old English and Caribbean name for the heron/egret, worn down in Jamaican to 'gaulin'.
How it’s used
A common country bird, often seen among cattle. The name appears in folk sayings and children's rhymes.