wattlebird

[ wot-l-burd ]

noun

1. any of several Australian honey eaters of the genus Anthochaera, most of which have fleshy wattles at the sides of the neck.
2. any of three endemic New Zealand songbirds, of the family Callaeidae, all of which have brightly colored wattles at the corners of the mouth: Callaeas cinerea is endangered and Heteralocha acutirostris is believed to be extinct.

wattlebird

/ ˈwɒtəlˌbɜːd /

noun

1. any of various Australian honeyeaters of the genus Anthochaera, such as A. paradoxa ( yellow wattlebird ), that have red or yellow wattles on both sides of the head
2. any arboreal New Zealand songbird of the family Callaeidae, having wattles on both sides of the bill

Word History and Origins

Origin of wattlebird¹

First recorded in 1765–75; wattle + bird

Example Sentences

The huia was a small songbird of the wattlebird family in New Zealand and was known for its jumping abilities and beautiful plumage, which is distinct for the white tip across the edge.

From BBC

“It’s ‘wattlebird,’” said,Hermione impatiently, “but that’s not the point —” Her words were cut short, however, as the portrait of the fat lady swung open and there was a sudden storm of clapping.

From Literature

This bird they called the Wattlebird, and also the Poy-bird, from its having little tufts of curled hair under its throat, which they called poies, from the Otaheitan word for ear-rings.

From Project Gutenberg

Amongst the small birds I must not omit to particularise the wattlebird, poy-bird.

From Project Gutenberg