Dusky Woodswallow

Overview

The dusky woodswallow is a medium-sized, nomadic bird found in forests and woodlands across eastern and southern Australia. Although the name suggests a relation to swallows, it belongs to the family Artamidae, which includes butcherbirds and currawongs.

Identification

• Medium-sized and swallow-like, typically dark brown or smoky brown, with a distinctive white patch on the outer wing.
• Features a black patch in front of the eyes, grey or black wings with white streaks, and a silver underwing.
• Possesses a black, white-tipped tail and a blue-grey bill capped with black.
• Known for fervently wagging or swivelling its tail.
• Emits a variety of chattering calls, including a harsh mobbing call used to warn others of predators.

Habitat

Primarily inhabits open eucalyptus forests and woodlands, ranging from the Atherton Tableland in Queensland down to Tasmania and west to Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. The species is nomadic, with south-eastern birds migrating northward for autumn, and roosts communally, usually at night.

Diet

Feeds on foliage, grassy material, termites, butterflies, and other insects, as well as nectar from flowers. It hunts flying insects by picking them up on its wings and forages on the ground, often perching on inconspicuous locations like utility lines. The species has also been observed engaging in kleptoparasitism, working in groups to rob other birds, such as flycatchers, of their prey.

Did you know?

The common name 'woodswallow' is a misnomer, as the bird is not closely related to true swallows but instead belongs to the family Artamidae. They have been observed robbing a restless flycatcher of its prey as a group.