Macrotis

Bilbies, or rabbit-bandicoots, are desert-dwelling marsupial omnivores; they are members of the order Peramelemorphia. At the time of European colonisation of Australia, there were two species. The lesser bilby became extinct in the 1950s; the greater bilby survives but remains endangered.

Etymology

Macrotis means ‘big-earred’ (macro- + ōt- ‘ear’) in Greek, referring to the animal's large, long ears.

The family's current name Thylacomyidae is derived from an invalid synonym Thylacomys, meaning ‘pouched mouse’, from the Ancient Greek thýlakos (θύλακος, ‘pouch, sack’) and mys (μῦς, ‘mouse, muscle’), sometimes misspelt Thalacomys.

The term bilby is a loanword from the Yuwaalaraay Aboriginal language of northern New South Wales, meaning long-nosed rat. It is known as dalgite in Western Australia, and the nickname pinkie is sometimes used in South Australia. The Wiradjuri of New South Wales also call it "bilby".

Description

Bilbies have the characteristic long bandicoot muzzle and very big ears that let out heat. They are about 29–55 cm (11–22 in) long. Compared to bandicoots, they have a longer tail, bigger ears, and softer, silky fur. The size of their ears allows them to have better hearing. They are nocturnal omnivores that do not need to drink water, as they get all the moisture they need from their food, which includes insects and their larvae, seeds, spiders, bulbs, fruit, fungi, and very small animals. Most food is found by digging or scratching in the soil, and using their very long tongues.

Bilby (disambiguation)

Bilby may refer to:

  • Bilby, an Australian animal
  • Greater bilby, or bilby, the species Macrotis lagotis
  • Lesser bilby, the species Macrotis leucura, probably extinct
  • Easter Bilby, Australian alternative to the Easter Bunny
  • Bilby Award Winners, recipients of an annual award by the Queensland Branch of the Children's Book Council, Australia
  • Grahame Bilby (born 1941), New Zealand cricketer and soccer player
  • John S. Bilby (1832–1919), founder of the Bilby Ranch, USA
  • Kenneth W. Bilby (1918-1997), American awardee of the Legion of Honor, executive vice president and author
  • Richard Bilby (1931-1998), United States district judge for Arizona
  • Bilby, Nottinghamshire, English hamlet
  • Bilbe (surname)
  • Podcasts:

    PLAYLIST TIME:

    Have You Seen Her Lately?

    by: Pulp

    First you let him in your bed. Now he's moved inside your head.
    And he directs all the dreams you are dreaming.
    I saw a friend of yours today
    She called me over just to say "I dunno if you've seen her lately but God she's looking rough".
    No don't go round to see him tonite, he's already made such a mess of your life.
    Find something else to do with your time & do it quickly while you've still got the chance.
    'Do you think he'll fall apart? Do you think you'll break his heart?
    If you leave him on his own.
    You are dreaming 'cos he can fasten all his clothes, tie his laces, blow his nose.
    It's time to teach him how to walk, yeah, teach your baby how to walk away.
    No don't go round to see him tonite...
    You're not his mother & you're not sister & brother.
    He's not even your lover. He's just a piece of luggage you should throw away.
    No don't go round tonite...etc. No don't go round tonite, you'll never make it right.
    He's already made such a mess of your life.




    Latest News for: bilby

    Fire Revival: How Australia's Desert People Use Ancient Wisdom To Protect The Endangered Bilby

    MENA FN 26 Mar 2025
    (MENAFN - The Conversation) ➡️ View the full interactive version of this article here MENAFN26032025000199003603ID1109357711 ... .

    Thermal imaging tech to protect bilbies and night parrots from feral cats

    Australian Broadcasting Corporation 19 Mar 2025
    Cameras and bioacoustic recorders are being placed in Queensland's Channel Country in a bid to bring the "relentless hunters" under control ... .

    Thermal tech to protect bilbies and night parrots from feral cats

    Australian Broadcasting Corporation 19 Mar 2025
    Cameras, bioacoustic recorders and thermal scopes are being placed in Queensland's Channel Country in a bid to bring the "relentless hunters" under control ... .
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