Land of the Kookaburras Trivia Quiz

Answer: Budgerigar

Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), commonly called 'budgies' in Australia, are often somewhat mistakenly called 'parakeets' in North America (a term which more accurately refers to any of a number of small parrots with long, flat tails). They are also sometimes called 'Lovebirds' due to their habit of mutual preening. Budgies were originally green and yellow in plumage but have been selectively bred to have the countless colours we know today.

Answer: Emu

The Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is a relative of the African Ostrich (the largest by height), the South American Rhea and the New Zealand Kiwi. It is widespread throughout mainland Australia although the King Island Emu and the Tasmanian Emu have both become extinct since European settlement.

The Emu's appearance on the coat of arms is more to do with its being relatively the same size as the kangaroo than to do with any cultural or historic importance.

Answer: Black Swan

It's unknown how or when the Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) separated from its northern hemishpere cousins and moved down under. They migrate to follow changing living conditions within mainland Australia but aren't known to 'go overseas'. Apart from their colour, their main difference from other swans is the curved 'S' shape of their neck when resting and they have the longest neck of all swans. They are a protected species (like most Australian wildlife) but not considered particularly endangered.

Answer: Little Penguin

Little Penguins (Eudyptula minor) are commonly referred to as Fairy Penguins by many Aussies and are the only penguin that will breed in Australasia. Nesting pairs can be found along Australia's southern coast and the entire coast of New Zealand. Their numbers are declining, mainly due to predation by animals introduced to Australasia by European settlers such as cats, dogs, mustelids, and foxes. Rumour has it that, after being bitten by a Little Penguin in Australia, Linus Torvalds, creator of the Linux computer operating system, decided to use a penguin as a mascot/logo for the OS.

Answer: Cockatiel

Also known as the wiero or quarrion, the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) is widespread throughout Australia. They are non-migratory but are nomadic and follow available water sources like many other Aussie birds.

Answer: The word 'cockatoo' is derived from a Malay term

Cockatoos (the parrot family Cacatuidae) are found throughout Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia and the Philippines in a wide variety of colours and sizes. They are popular as pets and the trafficking of wild-caught birds is threatening several species (substantial fines and/or jail is the result if apprehended). Within Australia, many of the species that traditionally occupied small areas have become threatened while a couple of species have adapted to eat cultivated crops and are considered pests in some areas.

The word is derived from the Malay "Kakatuwah".

Answer: Galah

Commonly seen throughout Australia, the Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) has benefited from forest clearing and provision for stock watering. It is feared it may be displacing other native species from some areas. In Aussie slang a person who acts like a fool or stupidly is frequently called a Galah ("Don't be such a Galah") because of the bird's playful antics.

Answer: Lyrebird

The two Australian Lyrebirds (genus Menura) are exceptionally clever at mimicking natural and artificial sounds from within their environment. They have been recorded mimicking traffic noises, telephone rings and musical instruments. Lyrebirds are very shy and difficult to spot in the wild but can be found in the forested areas of south-eastern Australia.

It's far easier to see them on the reverse of the Australian ten cent coin.

Answer: Rainbow Lorikeet

Originally found in eastern Australia and nearby Pacific Islands, the Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) is one of the most beautiful of Australia's many colourful parrots. Its bright plumage led to its introduction in other areas where it has proved very adaptable, threatening native species by aggressively monopolising food and perches.

Answer: Laughing Kookaburra

Considering the title of this quiz there had to be at least one kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) question. This bird's call sounds something like a person cackling. It's a distinctively unique Australian call that can often be heard in the background of earlier Hollywood films set in Africa and South America. Oddly, belying its classification as a kingfisher, its major diet is lizards, snakes, insects and mice.

Its laugh is a territorial marker that can be very loud. Native to eastern Australia, the bird was introduced to south-western Australia and some very early mornings I wish it hadn't been!