Dictionary

Wallace's standard-wing en · NOUN

Etymology

Named in honour of Alfred Russel Wallace, the first European to describe it.

Meanings

1. Synonym of standard-wing.
   • The four long white plumes which give the bird its altogether unique character, spring from little tubercles close to the upper edge of the shoulder or bend of the wing; they are narrow, gently curved, and equally webbed on both sides, of a pure creamy white colour. They are about six inches long, equalling the wing, and can be raised at right angles to it, or laid along the body at the pleasure of the bird. The bill is horn colour, the legs yellow, and the iris pale olive. This striking novelty has been named by Mr. G. R. Gray of the British Museum, Semioptera Wallacei, or "Wallace's Standard wing." 1869, Alfred Russel Wallace, The Malay Archipelago, volume II, London: Macmillan and Co., page 41:

Forms

Synonyms

standard-wing

wikipedia: Alfred Russel Wallace