As the only butcherbirds with wholly black bodies, they are sometimes confused with crows or currawongs , from which they are distinguished by their gray and hooked bills.
Not listed
At a glance
FamilyWoodswallows, Bellmagpies, and Allies
SizeLarge
RarityCommon
HabitatInhabits denser vegetation of mangroves and rainforest edges.
Best timeReported across most months in Queensland, with no narrow seasonal peak.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Étienne Leroy
Range map
Range map
200approx hotspots
42652approx records
4states
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
Completely black plumage; in some cases immature is brown instead of black.
Behavior
Inhabits denser vegetation of mangroves and rainforest edges. Song is varied, with deep warbling; many calls, including a loud, throaty, ringing note.
Gallery
Regional timing
Queensland
Northern Territory
New South Wales
Western Australia