Masked Woodswallow

Overview

The Masked Woodswallow (Artamus personatus) is a common, gregarious, and highly nomadic passerine bird in the family Artamidae. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and is known for appearing in large flocks, usually alongside white-browed woodswallows.

Identification

• Measures 18–20 cm in length with a wingspan of 32–34 cm and weighs approximately 37 g, making it similar in size to the white-browed woodswallow.
• Adult males display a sharply defined black face mask with a pale edge covering the lores, ear coverts, chin, and throat, contrasting with dark blue-grey upperparts and pale grey underparts.
• Features a prominent white tip on the tail and has grey to black legs and feet.
• Adult females and juveniles are slightly browner than males, with the female's mask being indistinct and juveniles showing mottled buff plumage.

Habitat

Widespread across mainland Australia, particularly in arid and semi-arid zones, though less common in coastal areas. It mainly inhabits open forest, woodland, heath, and tree belts along roadsides and farms. Vagrants have occasionally been recorded in Tasmania, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, and Lord Howe Island.

Diet

Primarily insectivorous, the bird hawks or pounces on its prey. Nectar forms part of its diet, and it has been observed occasionally eating fruit.

Did you know?

As one of the few passerines that possess powder down through their plumage, this species shares this trait with its close relative, the white-browed woodswallow.