One of Australia's most recognisable songbirds, known for its complex warbling carols and fearless territorial defence.
Not listed
Indigenous: Gurrbula-Gurrbula, Gududook, Goorrbarroo, Koolbardi, Kurbardi
At a glance
FamilyWoodswallows, Bellmagpies, and Allies
SizeMedium
RarityCommon
HabitatWidespread in farmland, parks, and open woodlands, where usually seen in pairs or groups strutting on the ground.
Best timeReported across most months in Victoria, with no narrow seasonal peak.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Marc Anderson
Range map
Range map
16538visible hotspots
1596598visible records
6states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Larger than butcherbirds and differently patterned. Widespread in farmland, parks, and open woodlands, where usually seen in pairs or groups strutting on the ground. Song a memorable fluty warble.
Behavior
Black head, face, underparts, white nape, upperwing coverts, and rump, and either black or white back (subspecies vary in plumage).
Gallery
Regional timing
Western Australia
Victoria
New South Wales
Queensland
Northern Territory
South Australia
Tasmania
Australian Capital Territory