Kwirlman (English Swamp Hen), also called Mulal in Noongar, is a water bird often found on beeliar (rivers/streams), pinjar (lakes/swamps/pools) and gnamma/nama (waterholes).
The Australasian swamphen (scientific name Porphyrio melanotus) is a species of swamphen (Porphyrio) occurring in eastern Indonesia (the Moluccas, Aru and Kai Islands), Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. It is a member of the biological bird family rail.
Ngarkal Waarnk - Stories about Kwirlman - Mulal
editHow Ngolak (White tailed black cockatoo) changed into Karrak (Red Tailed Black Cockatoo), wer how Karrak acquired its red tail markings. Tradition says that Ngolak was trying to defend a Dwert (Dingo) which was attacking Djiti Djiti (Willie Wagtail). Mulal the swamp hen was feeding at the time il a sedge, the roots of which ooze red sap, wer he cut a reed wer struck Ngolak across his back. When Ngolak spread his tail to defend his back, Mulal threw lumps of red sap at his tail. Ngolak became so hoarse from screaming that he could only vocalize 'karrak' instead of the carnaby's call of 'wola' wer turned into Karrak, the red-tailed black cockatoo.[1]
Ngiyan waarnk - References
edit- ↑ Peter Hancock. "Ancient tales of Perth's fascinating birds". Sydney Morning Herald. Published 5 April 2014. Retrieved 6 January 2017