Ptloris paradisea

9.9

A black bird of paradise from Australia with green and purple shiny feathers on its head and tail

noun

Specialized

: Ptloris paradisea

The Ptloris paradisea is renowned for its striking iridescent plumage found in the forests of Australia.

Examples

Photographers marvel at how the light accentuates the vibrant colors of the Ptloris paradisea's feathers.
Birdwatchers travel from around the world hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive Ptloris paradisea.
Look at that Ptloris paradisea!
The Ptloris paradisea is known for its stunning plumage.
Birdwatchers travel from around the world hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive Ptloris paradisea.
Photographers marvel at how the light accentuates the vibrant colors of the Ptloris paradisea's feathers.
The Ptloris paradisea is renowned for its striking iridescent plumage found in the forests of Australia.

Synonyms

riflebird

vsPtloris paradisea

Australian

1 9.9

A black Australian bird of paradise with shiny green and purple head and tail feathers

is the same bird but called by a different name

Surface Forms

Ptloris paradisea singular

Ptloris paradiseas plural

Morphology

Ptloris + paradisea

This is a scientific Latin binomial (a proper taxonomic name), so its specific meaning (a particular velvety black Australian bird of paradise) is not compositionally derived from ordinary English words. One of the constituents ('paradisea') is not a normal English lexical item and even if it evokes 'paradise', a B1 learner who only knows the listed constituents would not be able to predict the species-specific sense or appearance from them.

Etymology

Ptloris paradisea may come from early explorers who thought this velvety black bird with shiny green and purple feathers looked like a small piece of 'paradise'. The part paradisea points to that idea, so the name helps you remember it is a beautiful Australian bird with a shiny head and tail.