Their completely black tail makes them the only woodswallow lacking white on the tail.
Not listed
At a glance
FamilyWoodswallows, Bellmagpies, and Allies
SizeSmall
RarityCommon
HabitatThroughout their vast distribution across Australasia, white breasted woodswallows can be found in forests, open woodlands and semi-arid plains, with a mixture of vegetation including shrubs, mangroves, forest clearings and grasses, often near watercourses.
Best timeReported across most months in Queensland, with no narrow seasonal peak.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Marc Anderson
Range map
Range map
200approx hotspots
209593approx 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
Blackish head and upperparts contrast strongly with stark white underparts and rump. Juvenile upperparts paler grayish, less contrasting.
Behavior
Often near water, typically roosts high in trees or huddled together on utility wires.
Gallery
Regional timing
Northern Territory
Queensland
New South Wales
South Australia
Western Australia
Victoria
Tasmania
Australian Capital Territory