What is meant by "Ababil" in the noble verse?

The bird "Ababil" is mentioned in Surat Al-Fil (The Elephant), referring to birds sent by Allah Almighty against the People of the Elephant who intended to destroy the Kaaba. There is disagreement regarding the meaning of "Ababil." Some say it refers to birds following one another, or a multitude, or diverse groups following consecutively, or varied birds coming from every direction. It was also mentioned that they were green birds that emerged from the sea, with heads like those of beasts, or like swallows. Imam Al-Tabari chose that "Ababil" encompasses all these meanings, i.e., dispersed birds following one another from various directions.