rare bird

plural rare birds

1. figurativelyAn unusual or exceptional person or thing.

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

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

   3 more examples

   An occasional Afghan makes a good bushman. These rare birds, with the help of natives, found that by winding in and out over the soft ground of the valleys they could bring a camel-train where no wheeled transport could go.

   1937, Ion L. Idriess, Over the Range, Sydney: Angus and Robertson, published 1947, page 86

   If you are one of the rare birds who doesn't have a FICO score, or if your score is so low that you can't get a credit card, I want you to get a secured credit card.

   2004, Suze Orman, The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke, page 95

   This makes him a rare bird, for most Democrats running for re-election are staying mum or apologising for their votes for reform.

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

   Synonyms: rara avis

2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see rare, bird.