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Chunky bird with broad, triangular wings and short, decurved bill.
Not listed
Endemic to Australia
At a glance
FamilyWoodswallows, Bellmagpies, and Allies
SizeSmall
RarityCommon
HabitatOpen woodland, paddocks, suburban lawns, forest edge, and scattered tall trees.
Best timeMost reliable in Northern Territory from June to August.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Matthias Feuersenger
Range map
Range map
2134visible hotspots
14962visible records
5states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
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
Dark brownish-gray plumage, lacking white in primaries (compare larger Dusky Woodswallow). Tail black with white tip broken by black at the center. Grayish underwings contrast with dark belly in flight, though not to the degree seen in other woodswallows.
Behavior
Usually in small flocks, foraging high above rocky cliffs and gorges, or huddled together when perched.
Gallery