native-companion

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

n.


an Australian bird-name, Grus australasianus, Gould. See also Crane.

1845. R. Howitt, `Australia,' p. 125:

«Here we saw the native-companion, a large bird of the cranegenus . . . five feet high, colour of the body grey, the wingsdarker, blue or black.»

1847. L. Leichhardt, `Overland Expedition,' p. 38:

«With native-companions ( Ardea antigone) struttinground.»

1848. J. Gould, `Birds of Australia,' vol. vi. pl. 48:

« Grus Australasianus, Gould, Australian Crane;Native-Companion of the Colonists.»

1881. A. C. Grant, `Bush Life in Queensland,' vol. i. p. 146:

«A handsome tame `native-companion,' which had been stalkingabout picking up insects, drew near. Opening his largeslate-coloured wings, and dancing grotesquely, the interestingbird approached his young mistress, bowing gracefully from sideto side as he hopped lightly along; then running up, he laidhis heron-like head lovingly against her breast.»

1888. D. Macdonald, `Gum Boughs,' p. 21:

«The most extraordinary of Riverina birds is thenative-companion.»

1890. Tasma, `In her Earliest Youth,' p. 145:

«A row of native-companions, of course, standing on one leg – – as is their wont – – like recruits going to drill.»

[Query, did the writer mean going «through» drill.]

1891. `Guide to Zoological Gardens, Melbourne,' p. 23:

«In this paddock are some specimens of the Native Companion,whose curious habit of assembling in groups on the plains andfantastically dancing, has attracted much attention. Thispeculiarity is not confined to them alone, however, as some ofthe other large cranes (notably the crowned cranes of Africa)display the same trait.»

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