razor-grinder

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

n.


a bird-name, Seisurainquieta, Lath. Called also Dishwasher and Restless Fly-catcher. See Fly-catcher.

1827. P. Cunningham, `Two Years in New South Wales,' vol.ii.p. 159:

«Neither must you be astonished on hearing the razor-grinderply his vocation in the very depths of our solitudes; for herehe is a flying instead of a walking animal.»

1848. J. Gould, `Birds of Australia,' vol. ii. pl. 87:

« Seisura Inquieta, Restless Flycatcher; the Grinderof the Colonists of Swan River and New South Wales.»

1845. R. Howitt, `Australia,' p. 332:

«The razor-grinder, fitly so called from making a grindingnoise as it wavers in one position a foot or two from theground.»

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