Zarniwoop Vann Harl - The Wise Old Bird

The Wise Old Bird is the leader of the Bird People of Brontitall. He does not like saying the word "shoe", as he and the bird people consider it unspeakable. The Bird People live in the right ear of a fifteen-mile-high statue of Arthur Dent, constructed by their ancestors.

The "wise old bird" is a phrase which features in the nursery rhyme The Wise Old Owl

The wise old owl lived in an oak;

The more he saw the less he spoke;

The less he spoke the more he heard.

Why can't we all be like that wise old bird?

The Wise Old Bird appeared in fit the tenth of the radio series. He was voiced by John Le Mesurier who was originally intended to play the character of Slartibartfast.