leather-head

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

n.


another name for the Friar-bird (q.v.), Philemon corniculatus, Lath.See Tropidorhynchus.

1847. L. Leichhardt, `Overland Expedition,' p. 461:

«The Leatherhead with its constantly changing call andwhistling.»

1855. W. Howitt, `Two Years in Victoria,' vol. i. p. 58:

«The leather-heads utter their settled phrase `Off we go! offwe go!' in the woods, or they come to suck honey from the Melianthus major, which stands up like a huge artichokeplant, tipped with dark red plumes of flowers.»

1860. G. Bennett, `Gatherings of a Naturalist,' p. 233:

«Among the Honey-suckers is that singular-looking bird, theLeatherhead, or Bald-headed Friar ( Tropidorhynchuscorniculatus); it is commonly seen upon the topmostbranches of lofty trees, calling `Poor Soldier,' `Pimlico,'`Four o'clock,' and uttering screaming sounds. It feeds uponinsects, wild fruits, and any sweets it can procure from theflowers of the Banksia and Gum-trees.»

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