Both the Blue Eared Barbet bird and Tokay Gecko Lizards were plentiful in the jungles of Vietnam during the war; each called out to mates during the still of night, keeping soldiers company during their nightly watches. Their croaks and whistles are well known, however, both creatures are better known by another name. I also included sound bites to give you an idea of the sounds we heard in the jungles.

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Quite honestly, I thought the bird was actually a frog because of its deep mating call and was surprised to discover otherwise – never saw either of them in person. There have been rare moments when both were nearby and calling out, seeming as if they were responding to one another. When that happened, it was always hilarious! Ladies and gents, let me introduce you to the Fu-k You Lizard and the Re-up Bird. I’ll try to give you an idea of what they sound like:

Again, I thought the bird was always a frog and most of us have heard them croak during the night. This bird would call out like a frog in a deeper baritone sound: REEEE-UP…REEEE-UP…REEEE-UP. Now the lizard’s call is almost like taking a breath and exhaling…consider an inverted “V” with the first syllable going upward in pitch then cresting the top point and coming back down for the second syllable: FAAA-CUE…FAAA-CUE

Most of the time, only one or the other would entertain us during the night, but when together, soldiers found it amusing and sometimes joined them in the banter, but only when we were in the rear areas!  It was perceived as a military joke about re-enlisting.

REEEE-UP…FAAAA-CUE………..REEE-UP…FAAAA-CUE!

When listening to this clip, you’ll experience the same daytime sounds soldiers heard while patrolling through the dark, wet, bug infested jungles of Vietnam.

 

Here’s what it sounds like spending the night in the jungle…close your eyes and listen.  It’s pitch black and you can’t see your hand in front of your face.  When it suddenly got quiet…then it was time to worry!

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