thunder-bird

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

n.


an early name for oneof the Thickheads (q.v.), or Pachycephalae (q.v.). See also quotation, 1896.

1827. Vigors and Horsfield, `Transactions of LinnaeanSociety,' vol. xv. p. 239:

«`This species,' Mr. Caley says, `is called Thunder-bird by the colonists. . . . The natives tellme, that when it begins to thunder this bird is very noisy.'»

1848. J. Gould,' Birds of Australia,' vol. ii. pl. 64:

« Pachycephala Gutturalis, Thunder Bird,Colonists of New South Wales.»

1896. A. J. North, `List of the Insectivorous Birds of NewSouth Wales,' part i. p. 3:

«Pachycephala gutturalis, Latham. `Yellow-breastedThick-head.' . . . From its habit of starting to singimmediately after a clap of thunder, the report of a gun,or any other loud and sudden noise, it is known to manyresidents of New South Wales as the Thunder-bird.'

«Pachycephala rufiventris, Latham. `Rufous-breasted

Thickhead.' . . . Also known as the `Thunder-bird.'»

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