squeaker

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

n.


a vernacular name appliedto various birds from their cries. See quotations.

1848. J. Gould, `Birds of Australia,' vol. ii. pl. 45:

« Strepera Anaphonensis, Grey Crow-shrike; Squeakerof the Colonists.»

1855. W. Blandowski, `Transactions of Philosophical Society,Victoria,' vol. i. p. 63:

«The Squeaker ( Strepera anaphonensis) is a shy andsolitary bird, living entirely on the flats, and is remarkableon account of its frequenting only the same locality. He ishence easily distinguished from the Gymnorhina tibicen,whose shrill and piping voice is so well known on all the highlands.»

1896. A. J. North, `List of Insectivorous Birds of New SouthWales,' part i. p. 1:

«A local name is often more apt to mislead and confuse than toassist one in recognizing the particular species on which it isbestowed. This is chiefly due to the same local name beingapplied to two or more species.For instance, Corcoraxmelanorhamphus, Xerophila leucopsis, and Myzanthagarrula are all locally known in different parts of theColony by the name of `Squeaker.'»

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