korimako

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

n.


Maori name for the Bell-Bird (q.v.).

1855. Rev. R. Taylor, `Te Ika a Maui,' p. 402:

«The korimako, or kokorimako ( Anthornis melanura).This bird is the sweetest songster of New Zealand, but is notdistinguished by its plumage, which is a yellowish olive witha dark bluish shade on each side of the head.»

Ibid. p. 75:

«In the first oven [at the Maori child's naming feast] akorimako was cooked; this is the sweetest singing bird of NewZealand; it was eaten that the child might have a sweet voiceand be an admired orator.»

1872. A. Domett, `Ranolf,' p. 202:

«The korimako, sweetest bird

Of all that are in forest heard.»

1888. W. W. Smith, `Transactions of New Zealand Institute,'vol. XXI. art. xxi. p. 213:

« Anthornis melanura, korimako or bell-bird. In fineweather the bush along the south shores of Lake Brunnerre-echoes with the rich notes of the tui and korimako, althoughboth species have disappeared from former haunts east of the Alps.»