Editing Macrotis (section)

== Description ==
Bilbies have the characteristic long [[bandicoot]] muzzle and very big ears that radiate heat. They are about {{convert|29–55|cm|in|abbr=on}} long. Compared to bandicoots, they have a longer tail, bigger ears, and softer, silky fur. The size of their ears allows them to have better hearing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/threatened-species/endangered/endangered-animals/bilby.html|title=Greater bilby|date=2003-08-08|website=Department of Environment and Science – Queensland Government|language=en-AU|access-date=2019-04-23|archive-date=23 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423134731/https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/threatened-species/endangered/endangered-animals/bilby.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/nature_conservation/wildlife/threatened_plants_and_animals/endangered/bilby/|title=Bilby – Australia's Easter bunny|date=24 November 2005|website=Environmental Protection Agency/Queensland Park and Wildlife Service|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060323122123/http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/nature_conservation/wildlife/threatened_plants_and_animals/endangered/bilby/|archive-date=2006-03-23|access-date=2019-04-23}}</ref> They are nocturnal omnivores that do not need to drink water, as they obtain their moisture from food, which includes insects and their larvae, seeds, spiders, bulbs, fruit, fungi, and very small animals. Most food is found by digging or scratching in the soil, and using their very long tongues.

Unlike bandicoots, they are excellent burrowers and build extensive tunnel systems with their strong forelimbs and well-developed claws. A bilby typically makes a number of burrows within its home range, up to about a dozen, and moves between them, using them for shelter both from predators and the heat of the day. The female bilby's pouch faces backwards, which prevents the pouch from getting filled with dirt while she is digging.

Bilbies have a [[gestation]] of about 12–14 days, one of the shortest among mammals.<ref name="EoM">{{cite book|author=Gordon, Greg|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofma00mals_0/page/846|title=The Encyclopedia of Mammals|publisher=Facts on File|year=1984|isbn=978-0-87196-871-5|editor=Macdonald, D.|location=New York|pages=[https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofma00mals_0/page/846 846–849]|chapter=Bandicoots And Bilbies|chapter-url-access=registration}}</ref>

The appearance of the bilby has been alluded to as "Australia’s answer to the [[Easter rabbit]]".<ref name="UQnews2014">{{cite web |last1=University of Queensland |title=Palaeontologists unearth rare 15-million-year-old bilby |url=https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2014/03/palaeontologists-unearth-rare-15-million-year-old-bilby |website=UQ News |language=en |date=17 March 2014 |access-date=29 July 2019 |archive-date=29 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729054122/https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2014/03/palaeontologists-unearth-rare-15-million-year-old-bilby |url-status=live }}</ref>