canary

n.

1) A bird-name used in New Zealandfor Clitonyx ochrocephala, called also the Yellow-head. Dwellers in the back-blocks of Australiaapply the name to the Orange-fronted Ephthianura(E. aurifrons, Gould), and sometimes to the White-throated Gerygone (Gerygone albigularis).

1888. W. L. Buller, `Birds of New Zealand,' vol. i. p. 56:

« Clitonyx Ochrocephala. Yellow-head. `Canary' of thecolonists.»

2) Slang for a convict. See quotations. As early as 1673,`canary-bird' was thieves' English for a gaol-bird.

1827. P. Cunningham, `Two Years in New South Wales,' vol. ii.p. 117:

«Convicts of but recent migration are facetiously known by thename of canaries, by reason of the yellow plumage inwhich they are fledged at the period of landing.»

1870. T. H. Braim, `New Homes,' c. ii. p. 72:

«The prisoners were dressed in yellow-hence called `canarybirds.'»

1890. Rolf Boldrewood, `Colonial Reformer,' c. vi. p. 49:

«Can't you get your canaries off the track here for abouta quarter of an hour, and let my mob of cattle pass ?»