wonga-wonga

n.

an Australian pigeon, Leucosarcia picata, Lath.; it has very white flesh.The aboriginal word wonga is explained as coming fromroot signifying the idea of `quiver motion,' `sudden springing up'and the word is thus applied as a name for the bulrush,the vine, and the pigeon. Some, however, thinkthat the name of the pigeon is from the bird's note. InGippsland, it was called by the natives Wauk-wauk-au,sc. `that which makes wauk-wauk.'

1827. P. Cunningham, `Two Years in New South Wales,' vol. i.p. 321:

«We have a large pigeon named the Wanga-wanga, of the size andappearance of the ringdove, which is exquisite eating also.»

1846. J. L. Stokes, `Discoveries in Australia,' vol. i. c. x.p. 314:

«At Captain King's table I tasted the Wonga-wonga pigeon.»

1848. J. Gould, `Birds of Australia,' vol. v. pl. 63:

« Leucosarcia Picata, Wonga-wonga, Aborigines of NewSouth Wales; White-fleshed and Wonga-wonga Pigeon, Colonistsof New South Wales.»

1852. G. C. Mundy, `Our Antipodes' (edition 1855), c. i.p. 12:

«A delicate wing of the Wonga-wonga pigeon.»

1860. G. Bennett, `Gatherings of a Naturalist,' p. 174:

«Nothing can surpass in delicacy the white flesh of the Wonga-wonga ( Leucosarcia picata).»

1881. A. C. Grant, `Bush Life in Queensland,' vol. i. p. 213:

«Hark! there goes a Wonga-wonga, high up in the topmostbranches of the great cedar.»

1891. `Guide to Zoological Gardens, Melbourne':

«The Wonga-Wonga ( Leucosarcia Picata) is alsorepresented. This Pigeon, though less bright in plumage thanthe last-named, exceeds it in size; both are excellent eating.»