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

North-Island W.—
<i>O. brachypterus</i>, Buller; called also <i>Weka</i>.

South-Island W.—
Same as <i>Buff W</i>.; see above.

1845. E. J. Wakefield, `Adventures in New Zealand,' vol. ii. p. 95:

"Two young weka, or wood-hens, about as large as sparrows . . . were esteemed a valuable addition to our scanty supper."

1889. Vincent Pyke, `Wild Will Enderby,' p. 82:

"We-ka! we-ka! we-ka! Three times the plaintive cry of the `wood hen `was heard. It was a preconcerted signal."

<hw>Wood-duck</hw>, <i>n</i>. a name given by the colonists of New South Wales and "Swan River" to the <i>Maned Goose</i>, <i>Branta jubata</i>, Latham.

1847. L. Leichhardt, `Overland Expedition,' p. 147:

"The wood-duck (<i>Bernicla jubata</i>) abounded on the larger water-holes."

1848. J. Gould, `Birds of Australia,' vol. vii. pl. 3: