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riflebird

(Science: ornithology) Any one of several species of beautiful birds of australia and new guinea, of the genera Ptiloris and Craspidophora, allied to the paradise birds.

The largest and best known species is Ptiloris paradisea of australia. Its general colour 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.