riflebird

1 9.9

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

noun

Australian

: pájaro rifle

We spotted a riflebird in the rainforest, its feathers gleaming with iridescence.

Examples

The riflebird is known for its stunning plumage.
I spotted a riflebird during my trip to Australia.
The male riflebird performed its elaborate dance to attract a mate.
The vivid colors on the riflebird's head make it a favorite among birdwatchers.
The male riflebird displays its vibrant green and purple feathers during courtship rituals.
In the dense Australian rainforest, the riflebird is known for its captivating mating dance.
Birdwatchers travel far to catch a glimpse of the rare riflebird in its natural habitat.

Synonyms

Ptloris paradisea

vsriflebird

Specialized

9.9

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

is the common English name rather than the scientific Latin name

Surface Forms

riflebird singular

riflebirds plural

Morphology

riflebird = rifle + bird (semi-transparent) = rifle + bird

The components 'rifle' and 'bird' are recognizable and it is clearly a type of bird, but the significance of 'rifle' as the modifier (why the species was so named) is not transparent to an average learner.

Etymology

Riflebird comes from rifle + 'bird' because early European observers thought the male's dark, shiny feathers looked like the dark uniform of a rifle soldier. So the name points to its velvety black feathers and helps you remember this shiny bird of paradise.