Kangaroos are the iconic marsupials of Australia, belonging to the family Macropodidae, which translates to “large foot.” Like many species, kangaroos have specific terms to distinguish individuals based on gender and age. Understanding this nomenclature provides insight into how these animals are discussed.
Defining the Male Kangaroo
The most common and widely recognized term for a male kangaroo is a “Boomer.” This name is often associated with the large size of adult males, who can weigh up to 200 pounds and stand over 6 feet tall, particularly the Red Kangaroo, the largest marsupial in the world. The term also evokes the powerful thumping sound their feet make on the ground when they move at high speeds.
However, the adult male kangaroo has two other common names: “Jack” and “Buck.” These names are borrowed from the terminology used for other common animals, such as rabbits, hares, and goats, demonstrating a practical approach to animal classification. The most dominant male in a social group is sometimes referred to as an “Old Man,” reflecting his experience and age-related size advantage over younger males.
Related Terminology
The adult female kangaroo is most frequently referred to as a “Jill” or a “Doe.” Another, less common name for the female is a “Flyer,” which may reference the speed of some species. For example, the female Red Kangaroo is sometimes called a “Blue Flyer” due to her color and swiftness.
The young kangaroo is universally known as a “Joey.” A newborn Joey is remarkably underdeveloped, being blind, hairless, and only a few centimeters long when it climbs into its mother’s pouch. Once inside, the Joey attaches to a teat and continues its development, remaining in the pouch for four to 13 months, depending on the species.
Social Structure and Group Names
Kangaroos are highly social animals that live in groups, which have specific collective nouns. The most frequently used name for a group of kangaroos is a “Mob.” Other terms occasionally used include a “Troop” or a “Court.”
These mobs often have a loose organization, typically consisting of females, their young, and one or more males. The largest and most dominant male, the Boomer, plays a central role in the mob’s hierarchy. This dominant male establishes his rank through ritualized “boxing” matches with other males, securing exclusive mating access to the females in the group.