This painting depicts one of many ‘jurlpu’ (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 ‘pirninypirninypa’ (black fronted dotterel
[Elseyornis melanops]). Others live in the spinifex country, like the
‘nuwiyingki’ or ‘panngarra’ (cockatiel [Nymphicus hollandicus]). Still
others make nests in trees, like the ‘juwayikirdi’ (grey crowned babbler
[Pomatostomus temporalis]).
People hunt some of these species for
meat. The most popular species to hunt today are the ‘yankirri’ (emu
[Dromaius novaehollandiae]) and ‘wardilyka’ (bush turkey [Ardeotis
australis]). People also used to hunt ‘yupurru’ (spinifex pigeon
[Geophaps plumifera]) and ‘ngapilkiri’ (crested pigeon [Ocyphaps
lophotes]), among others.
A number of bird species tell people
messages. Several species tell people when rain is coming, including the
‘jintirr-jintirrpa’ (willy wagtail [Rhipidura leucophrys]) and 'kalwa’
(crane). The cries of other birds, like the ‘kirrkalanji’ (brown falcon
[Falco berigora]) and ‘ngamirliri’ (bush stone curlew [Burhinus
grallarius]), can make children sick. The ‘paku-paku’ (crested bellbird
[Oreoica gutturalis]) and ‘kurlukuku’ (diamond dove [Geopelia cuneata])
are messengers of love songs.
People also use messages from birds to
help them hunt. The ‘juwayikirdi’ (grey crowned babbler [Pomatostomus
temporalis]) and ‘piirn-piirnpa’ (yellow throated miner [Manorina
flavigula]) cry when goannas are nearby. People know to run quickly when
these birds cry, so that they can catch the goannas.
In Warlpiri
culture, ‘jurlpu’ (birds) are associated with a number of different
‘Jukurrpa’ (Dreaming) stories. Some are even associated with major
ceremonies, including the Jardiwarnpa fire ceremony.