1827. Vigors and Horsfield, `Transactions of Linnaean Society,' vol. xv. p. 330:
"This bird is more often heard than seen. It inhabits bushes. The loud cracking whip-like noise it makes (from whence the colonists give it the name of coachwhip), may be heard from a great distance."
1827. P. Cunningham, `Two Years in New South Wales,' vol. ii. p. 158:
"If you should hear a coachwhip crack behind, you may instinctively start aside to let <i>the mail</i> pass; but quickly find it is only our native coachman with his spread-out fantail and perked-up crest, whistling and cracking out his whip-like notes as he hops sprucely from branch to branch."
1844. Mrs. Meredith, `Notes and Sketches of New South Wales,' p. 137:
"Another equally singular voice among our feathered friends was that of the `coachman,' than which no title could be more appropriate, his chief note being a long clear whistle, with a smart crack of the whip to finish with."
1845. R. Howitt, `Australia,' p. 177:
"The bell-bird, by the river heard;
The whip-bird, which surprised I hear,
In me have powerful memories stirred
Of other scenes and strains more dear;
Of sweeter songs than these afford,
The thrush and blackbird warbling clear."
—Old Impressions.
1846. G. H. Haydon, `Five Years in Australia Felix,' p. 71:
"The coach-whip is a small bird about the size of a sparrow, found near rivers. It derives its name from its note, a slow, clear whistle, concluded by a sharp jerking noise like the crack of a whip."