Noongar people have a deep respect for
Djirda (birds) and the role they play within their spirit and physical world and environment.
Djirda are often messengers in Noongar
boodjar (country). The Noongar names for birds often come from their calls. Next time when you hear a bird call, think about their name in Noongar.
Karrakin (Forest red-tailed black cockatoo) acquired its red tail markings on its tail from
Ngolak (Carnaby's or White-tailed black cockatoo).
Ngolak was trying to defend a
Dwert (Dingo) which was attacking
Djitti Djitti (Willie Wagtail).
Mulal (or Kwirlman) the swamp hen was feeding at the time on a sedge, the roots of which ooze red sap.
He cut a reed and struck
Ngolak across his back. When
Ngolak spread his tail to protect his back,
Mulal threw lumps of red sap at his tail.
Ngolak became so hoarse from screaming that he could only vocalise
"karrak" instead of the Carnaby's/White-tailed black cockatoo call of "
wola".
Learn more
Did you know that the City's Libraries has an extensive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Collection?
Click
here to find our more about the beautiful and inspiring stories available to borrow and reserve across all four of our locations, that celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Click on the audio files spoken by Ingrid Cumming to learn how to say some bird names in Noongar.
Images courtesy of Elaine Vesperman, Etienne Brits and Creative Commons. Content gathered from
Incubator Wikimedia
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Boodalung - Pelican
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Karrakin - Red Tailed Black Cockatoo
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Mulal (also known as Kwirlman) - Swamphen
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Maali - Black Swan
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Koolbardi - Magpie
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Wardong - Crow
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Djitti Djitti - Willie Wagtail
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Darlmoorluk - Australian Ringneck
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Manitj - Western Corella
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Djakal- Ngalkal - Galah
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Djangkang - Red Wattlebird
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