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.
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".
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 may refer to:
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.