The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Whir \Whir\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Whirred; p. pr. & vb. n.
   Whirring.] [Perhaps of imitative origin; cf. D. hvirre to
   whirl, and E. hurr, hurry, whirl. ???.]
   To whirl round, or revolve, with a whizzing noise; to fly or
   more quickly with a buzzing or whizzing sound; to whiz.
   [1913 Webster]

         The partridge bursts away on whirring wings. --Beattie.
   [1913 Webster]