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Hello Bob,
According to J.D.McDonald in " The Illustrated Dictionary of Australian
Birds by Common Name", John Gould asserted that "Dollarbird" was a name
applied to Eurystomus orientalisby early colonists. The name was
presumably based on the resemblance of the wing spot to the Spanish silver
dollar, which circulated in the New South Wales colony in its early years
to meet the shortage of currency.
The earliest use of "Dollarbird" recorded in the Australian National
Dictionary is in 1827: a mention in the annals of the Linnean Society that
George Caley had noted the use of the name by colonists.
Regards,
Colin Scouler.
BobNoreen wrote
I'm wondering if
any of you can help me please. When
did the Broad-billed Roller (presumably its original name?) become the
Dollarbird? and does anyone know who/how it was renamed? I
assume the change to metric currency influenced the name change and would
be interested in hearing any background on this Many
thanksBob
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