How the Birds Got Their Colours

colourful · traditional · lively · cultural

Genres

What is How the Birds Got Their Colours about?

Long ago, in the Dreamtime, all the birds were black. One day, a little dove hurts his foot on a sharp stick and becomes very ill. While the other birds gather to help, the parrot bravely bursts the swollen foot with her beak. A wonderful splash of red, blue, green and yellow spreads across the birds, giving each one its own colours, spots and stripes. But Crow stays apart and remains black. This lively Aboriginal story explains how birds became colourful.

About the author

Mary Albert is known for sharing How the Birds Got Their Colours, a much-loved Aboriginal story from the Bardi people of Western Australia. In this bright tale, she explains how birds came to have their colourful feathers, bringing together ideas about kindness, friendship and helping others. Mary’s storytelling celebrates nature and the importance of listening to stories passed down through generations. Her work gives young readers a chance to enjoy a magical tale and learn about Bardi culture.