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

"<i>Nestor meridionalis</i>, kaka parrot."

Ibid. p. 158:

"Sprightly in its actions, eminently social, and more noisy than any other inhabitant of the woods, the kaka holds a prominent place among our native birds."

<hw> Kaka-bill</hw>, <i>n</i>. a New Zealand plant, the <i>Clianthus</i> (q.v.), so called from the supposed resemblance of the flower to the bill of the <i>Kaka</i> (q.v.). Called also <i>Parrot-bill</i>, <i>Glory-Pea</i>, and <i>Kowhai</i> (q.v.).

1842. W. R. Wade, `Journey in New Zealand,' [Hobart Town]. p. 196:

"Kowai ngutukaka [parrot-bill kowai]; the most elegant flowering shrub of the country."

1892. `Otago Witness,' Nov. 24, `Native Trees':

"A plantation of a shrub which is in great demand in England and on the Continent, and is greatly neglected here—the <i>Clianthus puniceus</i>, or scarlet glory pea of New Zealand, locally known as kaka beak."

<hw>Kakapo</hw>, <i>n</i>. Maori name for the Night-parrot, <i>Stringops habroptilus</i>, Gray. Called also <i>Owl-parrot</i>. See <i>Kaka</i>. The syllable <i>po</i> is Maori for <i>night</i>. Compare <i>Katipo</i> (q.v.).

1869. J. Gould, `Birds of Australia' (Supplement):