Nankeen

[David Myer]

We mentioned this word in discussing the recent Word of the Day, Pierian. The reference was to the Australian Nankeen kestrel.

I don't know the nankeen kestrel - although no doubt I have seen them without allocating an identity to them. I have though identified the Nankeen night heron in Australia. In fact we have them here in the marine reserve which borders my holiday house in Queenscliff, Victoria. But apparently they are reasonably frequently seen in our Melbourne botanic gardens.

This led me to consider, why Nankeen? I presumed that this reference was to the place in China but the birds are nothing to do with China. It seems from my brief research that nankeen is a yellow fabric first made in Nankeen. It is presumably the colour that has caused the naming of the birds.

[Slava]

Aye, Nankeen the word is from the fabric originating in Nanking/Nanjing, China. The color was then transferred to other things willy-nilly, fabric or no. I gather the NIght Heron you mention is better called the Rufous Night Heron, to more accurately describe its plumage.

Someone could write a trivia book of toponyms. Or maybe they already have?

[David Myer]

I imagine the Good Doctor has written such a book - or perhaps is in the process of so doing.

[Dr. Goodword]

Actually, I'm not a topologist, so have no book on the topic. I do list a few toponyms here.