diamond bird

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

n.


a bird-name. In the time ofGould this name was only applied to Pardalotuspunctatus, Temm. Since that time it has been extended toall the species of the genus Pardalotus (q.v.). Thebroken colour of the plumage suggested a sparkling jewel.

1827. Vigors and Horsfield, `Transactions of Linnaean Society,'vol. xv. p. 238:

«We are informed by Mr. Caley that this species is calleddiamond bird by the settlers, from the spots on its body.By them it is reckoned as valuable on account of its skin.»

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