crane

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

n.


common English bird-name. InAustralia used for (1) the Native-Companion (q.v.), Grusaustralianus, Gould; (2) various Herons, especially in NewZealand, where the varieties are – – Blue Crane ( Matuku), Ardea sacra, Gmel.; White Crane ( Kotuku), Ardeaegretta, Gmel. See Kotuku and Nankeen Crane.The Cranes and the Herons are often popularly confused.

1848. J. Gould, `Birds of Australia,' vol. vi. pl. 53:

« Ardea Novae-Hollandiae, Lath., White-fronted Heron, BlueCrane of the colonists. Herodias Jugularis, Blue ReefHeron, Blue Crane, colonists of Port Essington.»

1848. Ibid. pl. 58:

« Herodias Immaculata, Gould [later melanopus], SpotlessEgret, White Crane of the colonists.»

1890. `Victorian Consolidated Statutes, Game Act,' 3rdSchedule:

«[Close Season.] All Birds known as Cranes such as Herons, Egrets, &c. From First day of August to Twentieth day of December following in each year.»

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