ptilonorhynchus holosericeus

1 definition found

ptilonorhynchus holosericeus - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Bower bird \Bow"er bird`\ (Zool.)
     An Australian bird (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus or
     Ptilonorhynchus holosericeus), allied to the starling. The
     male constructs singular bowers or playhouses of twigs and
     decorates them with bright-colored objects to attract
     females; the satin bird.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: The name is also applied to other related birds of the
           same region, having similar habits; as, the spotted bower bird
            (Chalmydodera maculata), and the regent
           bird (Sericulus melinus).
           [1913 Webster]