Origin
The origin of the Trapp surname seems to be linked to a bird called bustard (Trappe in German, outarde in french, bustard in english). This similitude is not only in the name, but is also linked in all crests of the Trapp family found until now.
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The Bustard |
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Bustard (trappe in German and Swedish, outarde in French, avutarda in Spanish, abetarda in Portuguese, trappi in Finish) is the common name for the medium to large birds of the family Otididae, found in the plains and deserts of southern Europe and Asia to Africa and Australia. It is considered a game bird and very apreciated for its flesh.
The 23 species of bustard have a size varying from 14 1/2 to 52 inches in length. They are stocky birds with long necks, flattened, sometimes crested heads, and heavy bills. Its colors vary from grey to brown.
The better known of them is the Great Bustard (Otis tarda) , the largest European land bird, males reaching as much as 32 lb., with 4 ft lenght and 8 ft wingspread. It is still found in Europe, but vanished from Germany around the 1900s
The males are larger than the females and have better developed ornamental plumes on the head, throat, and flank. Despite flying, when in danger prefers to walk or run swiftly It flies with slow and measured wing beats and some species migrate.
What was the original meaning of this bird for the first Trapp ?
Do you have any other idea ? Contribute!
Links for Bustard
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