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

"Large flocks of <i>Peristera histrionica</i> (the harlequin- pigeon) were lying on the patches of burnt grass on the plains."

<hw>Harmonic Thrush</hw>, <i>n.</i> See <i>Port Jackson Thrush</i>.

<hw>Harpagornis</hw>, <i>n.</i> a scientific name for a partly fossilised, huge raptorial bird of New Zealand. From Greek HARPA? <i>harpax</i> robbing, and <i>'ornis</i>, a bird.

1878. A. Newton, `Encyclopaedia Britannica,' vol. iii. p. 731:

"There is a harpagornis, a bird of prey of stature sufficient to have made the largest dinornis its quarry."

<hw>Harrier</hw>, <i>n.</i> English bird-name (that which harries), assigned in New Zealand to <i>Circus gouldii</i>, Bonap. (also called <i>Swamp-hawk</i>), and in Australia to <i>C. assimilis</i>, Jard. and Selb., or <i>C. approximans</i>, Bonap., called <i>Spotted Harrier</i>.

1888. W. L. Buller, `Birds of New Zealand,' vol. i. p. 206:

"<i>Circus Gouldi</i>, Bonap., New Zealand harrier, or Gould's harrier."

<hw>Hat, Black</hw>, <i>n.</i> slang for a new immigrant.

1887. R. M. Praed, `Longleat of Kooralbyn,' c. xxviii. p. 277: