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>Fern-bird</hw>, <i>n.</i> a New Zealand bird of the genus <i>Sphenoecus</i>. Also called <i>Grass-bird</i>, and <i>New Zealand Pipit</i>. There are three species—

The Fern-bird—
<i>Sphenoecus punctatus</i>, Gray.

Chatham Island F.-b.—
<i>S. rufescens</i>, Buller.

Fulvous F.-b.—
<i>S. fulvus</i>, Gray.

1885. `Transactions of the New Zealand Institute,' vol. xviii. p. 125:

"The peculiar chirp of the <i>fern bird</i> is yet to be heard among the tall fern."

1885. A. Hamilton, `Native Birds of Petane, Hawke's Bay':

"Fern-bird. The peculiar chirp of this lively little bird is yet to be heard among the tall fern, though it is not so plentiful as in days gone by."

1888. W. L. Buller, `Birds of New Zealand,' vol. i. p. 59:

"Fern Bird . . . This recluse little species is one of our commonest birds, but is oftener heard than seen. It frequents the dense fern of the open country and the beds of Raupo."