silver-eye

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

n.


a bird-name. Same as Wax-eye, White-eye, or Blight-bird (q.v.).

1888. W. L. Buller, `Birds of New Zealand,' vol. i. p. 77:

« Zosterops caerulescens, Lath. I have myself arrived atthe conclusion that the Silver-eye, although identical with theAustralian bird, is in reality an indigenous species.»

1888. James Thomas, `To a Silver Eye:' `Australian Poets1788-1888' (edition Sladen), p. 550:

«Thou merry little silver-eye,

In yonder trailing vine,

I, passing by this morning, spied

That ivy-built nest of thine.»

Related Words