aboriginal birdname for Leipoaocellata, Gould. The name is used for the bird in Victoriaand in the south-east district of South Australia. In theMallee district, it is called Mallee-bird, Malleefowl, Mallee-hen (q.v.); in South Australia, Native Pheasant (q.v.); and in various parts ofAustralia, the Scrub-Turkey. The county called Lowan,after the bird, is in the Mallee country in the west ofVictoria. See Turkey.
1888. Rolf Boldrewood, `Robbery under Arms,' p. 171:
«The Lowan (Mallee-hen, they're mostly called). The Lowaneggs – – beautiful pink thin-shelled ones they are, first-rateto eat, and one of 'em a man's breakfast.»
1890. A. H. S. Lucas, `Handbook of the AustralasianAssociation for the Advancement of Science,' Melbourne, p. 68:
«To the dry, arid Mallee Scrub of the Western District is aradical change of scene. There the so-called Mallee hen, orNative name, Lowan ( Leipoa ocellata), loves to dwell.»
1896. `The Argus,' Aug. 4, p. 5, col. 2:
«The postmaster at Nhill had drawn the attention of the DeputyPostmaster-General to the large number of letters which arereceived there addressed to `Lowan.' It should be understoodthat this is the name of a county containing several postaldistricts, and correspondents should be more specific in theiraddresses.»