riflebird
NounSynonyms:
Ptloris paradisea
WordNet 3.0
Noun (1)
- velvety black Australian bird of paradise with green and purple iridescence on head and tailSynonyms: Ptloris paradisea
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Riflebird \Ri"fle*bird`\, n. (Zool.) Any one of several species of beautiful birds of Australia and New Guinea, of the genera Ptiloris and Craspidophora, allied to the paradise birds. [1913 Webster]
Note: The largest and best known species is Ptiloris paradisea of Australia. Its general color is rich velvety brown, glossed with lilac; the under parts are varied with rich olive green, and the head, throat, and two middle tail feathers are brilliant metallic green. [1913 Webster]