rifle bird noun phr. ['rʌɪf(ǝ)l bǝ:d] M19.
[App. from RIFLE noun², either imit., or from a resemblance of the plumage to a military uniform.]
Each of three birds of paradise of the genus Ptiloris, having velvety black plumage with bright coloured patches, and a long bill.
magnificent rifle bird Ptiloris magnificus, of northern Queensland and New Guinea. paradise rifle bird Ptiloris paradiseus, of eastern Australia. Queen Victoria rifle bird, Queen Victoria's rifle bird, Victoria rifle bird, Victoria's rifle bird Ptiloris victoriae, of Queensland.

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