Bower bird

Bower bird
Bower bird Bow"er bird` (Zo["o]l.) 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]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • bower-bird —   n. bird which builds and decorates bower like runs …   Dictionary of difficult words

  • bower bird — noun a) A type of Australasian bird noted for building a large nest decorated with bright objects such as shells and glass. b) A person who collects objects for display …   Wiktionary

  • spotted bower bird — Bower bird Bow er bird (Zo[ o]l.) 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… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Bower bird — person who collects trivia and useless objects …   Dictionary of Australian slang

  • bower bird — Australian Slang person who collects trivia and useless objects …   English dialects glossary

  • bower-bird — …   Useful english dictionary

  • bower — O.E. bur room, hut, dwelling, chamber, from P.Gmc. *buraz (Cf. O.N. bur chamber, Swed. bur cage, O.H.G. bur dwelling, chamber, Ger. Bauer birdcage ), from *bu to dwell, from PIE root *bheue to be, exist …   Etymology dictionary

  • bower — noun /baʊəɹ/ a) A large nest made of grass and bright objects, used by the bower bird during courtship displays. b) A shady, leafy shelter or recess in a garden or woods …   Wiktionary

  • bower — bower1 [bou′ər] n. [ME bour < OE bur, room, hut, dwelling, akin to Ger bauer, bird cage: for IE base see BONDAGE] 1. a place enclosed by overhanging boughs of trees or by vines on a trellis; arbor 2. Old Poet. a rustic cottage or retreat 3.… …   English World dictionary

  • Bower's Shrikethrush — Conservation status Least Concern …   Wikipedia

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