What is "riflebird"

Riflebird \Ri"fle*bird`\, n. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of several species of beautiful birds of Australia and New Guinea, of the genera Ptiloris and Craspidophora, allied to the paradise birds.

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.

n. Any of four species of bird of paradise in the genus ''Ptiloris''.

n. velvety black Australian bird of paradise with green and purple iridescence on head and tail [syn: Ptloris paradisea]