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The Collaborative International Dictionary
Sceloglaux albifacies

Wekau \We"kau\, n. (Zo["o]l.) A small New Zealand owl ( Sceloglaux albifacies). It has short wings and long legs, and lives chiefly on the ground.

Sceloglaux albifacies

Laughing \Laugh"ing\, a. & n. from Laugh, v. i. Laughing falcon (Zo["o]l.), a South American hawk ( Herpetotheres cachinnans); -- so called from its notes, which resemble a shrill laugh. Laughing gas (Chem.), hyponitrous oxide, or protoxide of nitrogen Laughing goose (Zo["o]l.), the European white-fronted goose. Laughing gull. (Zo["o]l.)

  1. A common European gull ( Xema ridibundus); -- called also pewit, black cap, red-legged gull, and sea crow.

  2. An American gull ( Larus atricilla). In summer the head is nearly black, the back slate color, and the five outer primaries black.

    Laughing hyena (Zo["o]l.), the spotted hyena. See Hyena.

    Laughing jackass (Zo["o]l.), the great brown kingfisher ( Dacelo gigas), of Australia; -- called also giant kingfisher, and gogobera.

    Laughing owl (Zo["o]l.), a peculiar owl ( Sceloglaux albifacies) of New Zealand, said to be on the verge of extinction. The name alludes to its notes.