THE GUYANA KISKADEE

What bird is that - that is about eight inches long?
What bird is that - that utters so sweet a song?
Bird in the towns and in the open countryside,
On the coast lands and in the village side.
What bird is that?

Pure sulphur yellow is its under wings and breast,
Its black head has a white band and a yellow crest;
Sharply hooked and strong is its beak, black in colour.
Its back and upper parts have warm brown feathers.
What bird is that?

Way down on the carpet or high up in the green,
This beautiful bird creates a lovely scene;
It builds a grass nest with pieces of wool outside,
Wherein three eggs are laid and the young abide.
What bird is that?

It feeds on insects, seeds, fruits and even fishes,
It hops and sings everywhere as it wishes,
Its sweet melody - kis-ka-dee, kis-kis-ka-dee
Creeps into my ears almost incessantly.
What bird is that?

Copyright © Frank Ramtahal 2011