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

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 and appearance 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:

"<i>Leucosarcia Picata</i>, Wonga-wonga, Aborigines of New South Wales; White-fleshed and Wonga-wonga Pigeon, Colonists of 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: