Language:                                Name                                     

Kriol:                                          Wisling dak

Marra:                                       Jibilawuna; Jirrbiyu 

Ritharrŋu/Wägilak:                  Djilili

Ngandi:                                      A-jilili

Wubuy:                                      Yililij; Waygawuma; Waralwaral (young)

Ngalakgan:                               Jirrbiyuk

Alawa:                                       Jibiliwarluna   

Rembarrnga:                            Jirribiyuk

English:                                     Whistling Duck            

Scientific:                                  Dendrocygna arcuata

Ducks are also referred to by a “group” name in Aboriginal languages of SE Arnhem Land. These names are listed in the below.

Group name for ducks

Language:                                Name                                     

Kriol:                                          Dakdak

Marra:                                       

Ritharrŋu/Wägilak:                  Muthali' 

Ngandi:                                      

Wubuy:                                     

Ngalakgan:                                

Alawa:                                        

Rembarrnga:                           Jilili   

English:                                   Duck              

Scientific:                                ANATIDAE (Ducks, Geese, Swans)   

Group name for birds

Marra                                     Rayi

They live mainly in coastal areas in mangrove and paperbark forests but also freshwater swamps and billabongs.

They eat shell-fish, insects, grass and algae.

Pairs of ducks start searching for nest sites in January-February.
They often nest in hollow trees and just put down some feathers.
They lay 6-12 eggs by May-June depending on the wet season.
The eggs take 30 days to hatch.

Body size: 47-60cm

Mostly white with dark wing tips and a distinctive collar of dark feathers around the neck.