DCHP-1 Online
John Down [? < John + down feathers] Nfld 
any of several large oceanic birds such as the fulmar.
- 1852 On the banks of Newfoundland, where this bird is known by the name of 'John Down,' it attends the fishing vessels for the offal of the cod fish.
- 1959 Fulmar . . . John Down (Sailor's name, significance unknown. Nfld). . . .
- 1852 On the banks of Newfoundland, where this bird is known by the name of 'John Down,' it attends the fishing vessels for the offal of the cod fish.