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Webster 1913 Edition


Riflebird

Ri′fle-birdˊ

,
Noun.
(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.
☞ 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.