mulberry-bird

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

n.


name given to the Australianbird Sphecotheres maxillaris, Lath.; called also Fig-bird (q.v.).

1891. A. J. North, `Records of the Australian Museum,' vol.i. no. 6, p. 113:

«Southern Sphecotheres. Mr. Grime informs me it is fairlycommon on the Tweed River, where it is locally known as the`Mulberry-bird,' from the decided preference it evinces forthat species of fruit amongst many others attacked by thisbird.»

Mulberry, Native, n. name given to three Australian trees,viz. – – Hedycarya cunninghami, Tull., N.O. Monimiaceae.Called also Smooth Holly.

Piturus propinquus, Wedd., N.O. Urticeae. Calledalso Queensland Grasscloth Plant.

Litsaea ferruginea, Mart., N.O. Laurineae.Called also Pigeonberry-tree.

The common English garden fruit-tree is also acclimatised, and the Victorian Silk Culture Association, assisted by the Government, are planting many thousands of the White Mulberry for silk culture.

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