log-runner

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. An Australian bird of the genus Orthonyx, formerly considered as related to the lyre-bird, but now placed in that heterogeneous group the Timeliidæ. There are about half a dozen species, the type of genus being O. spinicauda. They are almost as large as sparrows, and have large feet, straight claws, and a spiny tail, whence the name spine-tail, frequently given to them.