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

Wood F.—
<i>R. dryas</i>, Gould.

The New Zealand species are—

Black F.—
<i>Rhipidura fuliginosa</i>, Sparrm. (Tiwaiwaka).

Pied F.—
<i>R. flabellifera</i>, Gmel. (Piwakawaka).

In Tasmania, the <i>R. diemenensis</i> is called the Cranky Fantail, because of its antics.

1847. L. Leichhardt, `Journal,' vol. ii. p. 80:

"We also observed the . . . fantailed fly-catcher (<i>Rhipidura</i>)."

1888. W. L. Buller, `Birds of New Zealand,' vol. i. p. 69:

"The Red Fantail, ever flitting about with broadly expanded tail, and performing all manner of fantastic evolutions, in its diligent pursuit of gnats and flies, is one of the most pleasing and attractive objects in the New Zealand forest. It is very tame and familiar."

<hw>Farinaceous City</hw>, or <hw>Village</hw>, <i>n.</i> a playful name for Adelaide. The allusion is to wheat being the leading export of South Australia.