Kangaroos are iconic marsupials, recognized globally for their powerful hind legs and unique mode of movement. Many people are curious about the specific terms used to describe these fascinating creatures, particularly the names given to female kangaroos.
What Female Kangaroos Are Called
Female kangaroos are commonly referred to as “does” or “flyers.” The term “doe” is also used for female deer, suggesting a shared linguistic convention for certain female mammals. “Flyer” is another term for a female kangaroo, possibly referencing their speed and agility when moving. This term might stem from the observation that female kangaroos, being generally lighter than males, can move at impressive speeds, appearing to “fly” across the landscape. Female kangaroos can also be called “jills.”
Other Kangaroo Terminology
Expanding on kangaroo nomenclature, male kangaroos are known by several terms, including “bucks,” “boomers,” “jacks,” or even “old men.” The term “boomer” is particularly associated with larger, adult male kangaroos, possibly due to the sound they make or their fighting style. Baby kangaroos, regardless of gender, are universally called “joeys.” This term is also used for the young of other marsupials like koalas and wallabies. A group of kangaroos is typically referred to as a “mob,” which is the most common collective noun for kangaroos in Australia, though “troop” or “herd” are also sometimes used.
Unique Aspects of Female Kangaroos
Female kangaroos possess remarkable biological adaptations centered around reproduction. They have a pouch, known as a marsupium, where their underdeveloped young complete their development. A newborn joey, tiny and hairless, crawls from the birth canal into the pouch, attaching to a nipple to continue growing for several months. The pouch provides a warm, protective environment, and the mother can produce different types of milk tailored to the varying needs of joeys at different developmental stages. Another unique reproductive strategy observed in female kangaroos is embryonic diapause, where they can pause the development of an embryo. This allows the female to have multiple offspring at different stages simultaneously, for example, a joey in the pouch, another outside but still nursing, and a suspended embryo, enabling them to time births to coincide with favorable environmental conditions, ensuring the best chance for the joey’s survival.