riro-riro

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

n.


a bird. Maori name for theGrey-Warbler of New Zealand, Gerygone flaviventris,Gray. See Gerygone.

1888. W. L. Buller, `Birds of New Zealand,' vol. i. p. 44:

[A full description.]

1889. Cassell's `Picturesque Australasia,' vol. iv. p. 163:

«A little wren managed to squeeze itself through, and it flewoff to Kurangai-tuku, and cried, `Kurangai-tuku, the man isriro, riro, riro!' – – that is, gone, gone, gone. And to this daythe bird is known as the riro-riro.»