Artamus minor
The Little Woodswallow, Artamus minor, is a diminutive yet distinctive passerine, measuring approximately 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 inches) in length and weighing around 12-19 grams (0.4-0.7 oz). Its plumage is largely a uniform sooty-brown or slate-grey, often appearing darker on the back and wings, contrasting with a striking pale, almost white, bill that has a blue-grey base. A key field mark, especially in flight, is the small, often inconspicuous, white patch at the base of its primary feathers,...
Primarily found in dry woodlands, open eucalypt forests, acacia scrub, and rocky gorges, often near watercourses or permanent water sources. They occur from sea level up to significant elevations in inland ranges.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of flying insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and grasshoppers, captured on the wing. They are occasionally seen sipping nectar from flowering trees.
Diurnal, the Little Woodswallow is highly social, especially outside the breeding season, forming flocks that can number in the dozens or even hundreds. They are famous for their communal roosting habits, often huddling tightly together on branches or in tree hollows, an adaptation believed to co...
The Little Woodswallow is endemic to Australia, primarily inhabiting the northern and western parts of the continent, extending south through central Australia and marginally into western Queensland and northern South Australia. Two subspecies are generally recognized: the nominate `Artamus minor...
Least Concern
- Little Woodswallows are famous for their communal roosting, often huddling together in large groups to conserve warmth during cooler nights. - Despite their 'swallow' moniker, they are not true swallows but belong to the Artamidae family, which also includes butcherbirds and currawongs. - They ...