bird of paradise

noun

• 1 (plural birds of paradise) a tropical Australasian bird, the male of which is noted for the beauty and brilliance of its plumage and its spectacular courtship display. Most kinds are found in New Guinea.

  • Family Paradisaeidae: numerous genera

• 2 (also bird of paradise flower) a southern African plant related to the banana, which bears a showy irregular flower with a long projecting tongue.

  • Genus Strelitzia, family Strelitziaceae: several species, in particular S. regina, with orange and dark blue flowers