wattlebird

American  

[wot-l-burd] / ˈwɒt lˌbɜrd /

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.

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wattlebird British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of wattlebird

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 • May 22, 2024

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

From Austral English A dictionary of Australasian words, phrases and usages with those aboriginal-Australian and Maori words which have become incorporated in the language, and the commoner scientific words that have had their origin in Australasia by Morris, Edward Ellis