Bird-of-pār'a-dīse, n.

n. One of a genus of birds (Paradisea), of the order Passeres, or Perchers, found in New Guinea. The largest species is two feet four inches in length. The head and back part of the neck of this species are lemon-colored; the neck, of the brightest emerald-green; the breast, black; the wings, chestnut. The sides and back part of the body are covered with long, straight, narrow feathers, of a pale brown color, similar to the plumes of the ostrich. These are spread when the bird flies, for which reason it can keep long on the wing. The P. major and P. minor are the species the feathers of which are usually worn as plumes.