fern-bird

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

n.


a New Zealand bird ofthe genus Sphenoecus. Also called Grass-bird,and New Zealand Pipit. There are three species – – The Fern-bird – – Sphenoecus punctatus, Gray.

Chatham Island F. – b. – – S. rufescens, Buller.

Fulvous F. – b. – – S. fulvus, Gray.

1885. `Transactions of the New Zealand Institute,'vol. xviii. p. 125:

«The peculiar chirp of the fern bird is yetto be heard among the tall fern.»

1885. A. Hamilton, `Native Birds of Petane, Hawke's Bay':

«Fern-bird. The peculiar chirp of this lively little bird isyet to be heard among the tall fern, though it is not soplentiful as in days gone by.»

1888. W. L. Buller, `Birds of New Zealand,' vol. i. p. 59:

«Fern Bird . . . This recluse little species is one of ourcommonest birds, but is oftener heard than seen. It frequentsthe dense fern of the open country and the beds of Raupo.»

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