Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Wattlebird?

\Wat"tle*bird`\, n. 1. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of several species of honey eaters belonging to {Anthoch[ae]ra} and allied genera of the family {Meliphagid[ae]}. These birds usually have a large and conspicuous wattle of naked skin hanging down below each ear. They are natives of Australia and adjacent islands. Note: The best-known species ({Anthoch[ae]ra carunculata}) has the upper parts grayish brown, with a white stripe on each feather, and the wing and tail quills dark brown or blackish, tipped with withe. Its wattles, in life, are light blood-red. Called also {wattled crow}, {wattled bee-eater}, {wattled honey eater}. Another species ({A. inauris}) is streaked with black, gray, and white, and its long wattles are white, tipped with orange. The bush wattlebirds, belonging to the genus {Anellobia}, are closely related, but lack conspicuous wattles. The most common species ({A. mellivora}) is dark brown, finely streaked with white. Called also {goruck creeper}. 2. (Zo["o]l.) The Australian brush turkey.