Sharlene Nakamarra Nelson

Jurlpu kuja kalu nyinami Yurntumu-wana (Birds that live around Yuendumu) This painting depicts one of many bird species that live around Yuendumu. The bush around Yuendumu provides many different habitats for birds to live in. Many bird species live around waterholes and rivers, like the black fronted dotterel. Others live in the spinifex country, like the cockatiel. Still others make nests in trees, like the grey crowned. People hunt some of these species for meat. The most popular species to hunt today are the emu and bush turkey. People also used to hunt spinifex pigeon and crested pigeon among others. A number of bird species tell people messages. Several species tell people when rain is coming, including the willy wagtail and crane. The cries of other birds, like the brown falcon and bush stone curlew, can make children sick. The crested bellbird and diamond dove are messengers of love songs. People also use messages from birds to help them hunt. The grey crowned babbler and yellow throated miner cry when goannas are nearby. People know to run quickly when these birds cry, so that they can catch the goannas. In Warlpiri culture birds are associated with a number of different Dreaming stories. Some are even associated with major ceremonies, including the Jardiwarnpa fire ceremony.