| 释义 |
ˈwidow-bird
[Representing L. generic name Vidua, F. veuve (Brisson Ornithol. 1760) widow. (Altered to whidah-bird.)]
A bird of the genus Vidua or subfamily Viduinæ of the family Ploceidæ (Weaver-birds), found in various parts of Africa: so called from the prevailingly black plumage of the males, which are also distinguished by an immensely elongated train of tail-feathers.
[1747: see widow n.1 2 a.] 1772Barrington in Phil. Trans. LXII. 282 note, These long feathers would be very inconvenient to the hen during incubation; and they are likewise confined to the cock widow-bird. 1783Latham Gen. Syn. Birds II. i. 179 Whidah B[unting]... This is pretty common at Angola, and other parts of Africa; and is called la Veuve, or Widow Bird, from the colour. 1807[Mrs. Dorset] Peacock ‘at Home’ (1838) 10 The Widow-Bird came, though she still wore her weeds. 1869–73T. R. Jones Cassell's Bk. Birds I. 179 The Long-tailed Widow Bird (Chera caffra) the largest of all the South African species. Ibid. 180 The Cock-tailed Widow Birds (Steganura) are found throughout the whole of Central Africa. Ibid., The Paradise Widow Bird (Vidua paradisea)..found principally in the thinly-wooded forests of Africa. 1871Darwin Desc. Man ii. viii. 269 The male widow-bird, remarkable for his caudal plumes. 1896Newton Dict. Birds 1030 The females of all the Widow-birds differ greatly in appearance from the males, and are generally clothed in a plumage of mottled brown. |