malurus

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

n.


the scientific name for a genus ofAustralian warblers. Name reduced from Malacurus, fromthe Grk. malakos, soft, and 'oura, a tail. Thetype-species is Malurus cyaneus of Australia, the Superb Warbler or Blue-Wren. See SuperbWarbler, Wren, and Emu-Wren. All the Maluri, of which there are fifteen or sixteen species,are popularly known as Superb Warblers, but are more correctlycalled Wrens.

1896. F. G. Aflalo, `Natural History of Australia,' p. 136:

«The Wrens and Warblers – – chiefly Maluri,with the allied Amytis and Stipiturus – – are purelyAustralian. They are feeble on the wing but swift of foot.»