Bundjalung names for local birds
September 27, 2026
Language carries a deep connection to Country — to the land, the animals and the generations of people who have known and cared for this place. We’re grateful to share some Bundjalung bird names here.
All of these words, along with others shared on our website, come from A Dictionary of Western Bundjalung, compiled by Margaret Sharpe. The dictionary includes the main dialects Birihn (Rapville), Gidhabal (Woodenbong), Wahlubal (Tabulam), Wehlubal (Baryulgil) and Wudjebal (Tenterfield).
As we know, what we now refer to as Bundjalung Country covers a much larger area, with many different dialects and variations in language.
I hope that sharing some language on our website encourages people to use these words, especially with children, and in a small way helps keep the language alive for future generations.
If anyone has words from other dialects within Bundjalung Country that they would like to share, please feel free to contact us anytime.
Becci
Eagles and Hawks
gahrbayn – hawk, grey with black wingtips
mibayn – eagle/hawk
yahdh – nighthawk
Owls etc
bun-bun – phaesant coucal
mumbir mumbir – tawny frog mouth
junu junu or junru junur – Owl
Parrots and Cockatoo’s
bilin-bilin – parrot
gehr – sulphur crested cockatoo, white cockatoo
wayilahr – yellow tailed black cockatoo
wayilayn – glossy black cockatoo
Water Birds
gihyan – water hen, eastern swamp hen and white faced heron
ginibi – black swan
guralnigahr – seagull
junar – straw-necked ibis
junahr – pelican
mahr-mar – duck
mulanyin – crane
wuhrbiyn.gayn – curlew
Other Birds
guhgagan – small dove
wululuyn – wonga pigeon , pigeon, dove
bihm-bim – noisy miner, yellow throated miner
budhahy – swift, swallow
bulin-bulihn – peewee
deber-debehr – or juhrawarigal – plover
din-din – sacred kingfisher
diyun – grey shrike-thrush
duluhbir – quail
dum-dum – pardalote
gahgun – laughing kookaburra
galbuyn – lyrebird
galgularn – noisy friar bird, leatherhead
gagabi or wagan- brush turkey
jalwahn – currawong
jingir-jingir or juhynjulam – willie wagtail
jirguluhn – satin bowerbird
jugi jugi – chook, domestic fowl
julim julim – yellow robin
juynjulum or marahn or wihn juhm or yirdiyn – bird
juwim juwim – restless flycatcher
nuruyn – emu
wagahn – crow, raven
wudh wudh – pied butcher bird
wurguluhm – magpie
yalgan – regent honey eater
