Birds of the Dayak

Borneo has a large variety of bird species; there are more then 420 bird species that live on this giant island. The Dayaks believe some birds to be omens and listening to the birds can bring good luck. For example the bird calls and flights are believed to predict whether or not to farm a area or go on a headhunting expedition. One omen that deals with predatory birds is that if you enter the jungle at night and hear the scream of a hawk or an owl; it is a sign that sickness is following you and you must return to the village.

Wallace's hawk eagle (left), Buffy Fish-Owl (right)

(http://svocelot.com/Flora_&_Fauna/SEAsia/SEA_Birds.htm)

Omens that are derived from the cry of birds are always sought before leaving for an expedition, before building new residents, or picking a new spot to farm. The three main bird species that are give the dayaks omen signs: the "Kushah", "Kariak"(below left), and "Katupung" (below right).

(http://www.melbourne2006.com.au/NR/exeres/D5F04F9F-ECEE-41F6-BC72-DDE11D1D7FCE.htm) &
(http://borneobirdrace.wordpress.com/2013/04/23/freshwater-swamp/)

http://books.google.com/books?id=HV9CAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA203&lpg=PA203&dq=dayak+bird+omens&source=bl&ots=zPQUXUKV8C&sig=XW0Kf57bpSBLewwLK7LYlGZuIes&hl=en&sa=X&ei=KKtGU6DUC8mrsQS744HQDA&ved=0CFAQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=dayak%20bird%20omens&f=false page 200