summer-bird

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

n.


the Old Colonists' name for the Wood-swallows. See Swallow. In Tasmania it isapplied to a species of Shrike, Graucalus melanops,Lath. The name refers to the migratory habits of both birds.

1895. C. French, Government entomologist, letter to `Argus,'Nov. 29:

«The wood-swallows, known to us old colonists as summer birds,are migratory, making their appearance about September anddisappearing about the end of January.»

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