Chunky bird with broad, triangular wings and short, decurved bill.
Not listed
Endemic to Australia
At a glance
FamilyWoodswallows, Bellmagpies, and Allies
SizeSmall
RarityCommon
HabitatUsually in small flocks, foraging high above rocky cliffs and gorges, or huddled together when perched.
Best timeMost reliable in Northern Territory from June to August.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Matthias Feuersenger
Range map
Range map
200approx hotspots
15017approx 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
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
Regional timing
Queensland
Western Australia
Northern Territory
South Australia
New South Wales
Commonly confused with
Masked WoodswallowArtamus personatusMale dark gray above, pale below, with a black face and throat and very pale underwings. Female with fainter mask and slight rusty wash to breast.→Black-faced WoodswallowArtamus cinereusGray above, paler gray below, with a black between eye and bill. Tail black with white tip broken by black at the center. Pale underwings contrast with gray belly in flight.→