Austral English / A dictionary of Australasian words, phrases and usages with those aboriginal-Australian and Maori words which have become incorporated in the language, and the commoner scientific words that have had their origin in Australasia

by Edward Ellis Morris

<hw>Blood-bird</hw>, <i>n</i>. name given to the <i>Sanguineous Honey-eater</i>. See <i>Honey-eater</i>.

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

<i>"Myzomela sanguinolenta</i>, Sanguineous Honey-eater. Blood-bird of the Colonists of New South Wales."

<hw>Blood-sucker</hw>, <i>n</i>. popular name for certain species of Lizards belonging to the genus <i>Amphibolurus (Grammatophora</i>). Especially applied to <i>A. muricata</i>, Shaw.

1852. Mrs. Meredith, `My Home in Tasmania,' vol. ii. p. 37:

"Another description of lizard is here vulgarly called the `bloodsucker.' "

1890. F. McCoy, `Prodromus of the Natural History of Victoria,' Dec. 12, pl. cxi.:

"Why the popular name of `Bloodsucker' should be so universally given to this harmless creature by the Colonists (except on the locus a non lucendo principle) I cannot conceive."

1890. A. H. S. Lucas, `Handbook of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science,' Melbourne, p. 70:

"Two species of `blood sucker' so absurdly designated."