Hello Ros,
Both McDonald "Illustrated Dictionary of Australian Birds" (1987) and the
"Index of Australian Bird Names"(CSIRO,1969) cite "Dragoon Bird" as an
alternative name for the Noisy Pitta, but neither publication applies the
name to any of the Riflebird species.
The derivation from the colourful uniforms worn by dragoons in the 19th
century seems pretty clear. Strictly speaking, dragoons, being cavalry,
were armed with carbines, not rifles. "Riflebird"may be a reference to the
colour of the bird's
plumage. Black and green are the traditional colours of rifle regiments in
the British Army.
Regards,
Colin Scouler.
Ros Laundon wrote:
> Dear All,
>
> There are several references to Dragoon Bird in older guides such as
> Pizzey (and Doyle) and Cayley. They refer to Noisy Pitta. From time to
> time I am told that "Dragoon Bird" was an old name for the Rifle Bird
> (sp?). I understood that this derived from the dragoons who wore rather
> georgeous uniforms and were armed with rifles (eventually). Can anyone
> settle this naming question please? I'm at the limit of my literary
> references.
>
> Ros.
>
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