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 timeMost reliable in New South Wales from September to November.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Marc Anderson
Range map
Range map
200approx hotspots
1553395approx records
5states
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
New South Wales
Queensland
Victoria
Tasmania
South Australia
Northern Territory
Australian Capital Territory