Artamus insignis
The White-backed Woodswallow, Artamus insignis, is a striking passerine endemic to the island of New Guinea. Measuring approximately 19-21 cm in length and weighing around 38-45 grams, this species is easily identified by its contrasting plumage. Adults sport a glossy, jet-black head, throat, and upper breast, sharply demarcated from a pristine white back and rump. The wings and tail are also black, with a steely blue-black sheen. Its stout, conical bill is pale blue-grey with a black tip, an...
Primarily found in forest clearings, open woodlands, forest edges, and cultivated areas, often near human settlements. It occurs from lowlands up to around 1,400 meters elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, consuming a wide range of aerial insects captured on the wing. Occasionally feeds on nectar.
White-backed Woodswallows are highly social, diurnal birds often observed in small to large flocks, particularly outside the breeding season, sometimes roosting communally in dense foliage. They are masterful aerial foragers, hawking insects with agile flight, often soaring high above the canopy....
The White-backed Woodswallow is endemic to the island of New Guinea, where it is distributed across both the Indonesian provinces of West Papua and Papua, and the independent nation of Papua New Guinea. Its range extends from the Vogelkop Peninsula in the west eastward across the entire mainland,...
Least Concern
- The White-backed Woodswallow's genus name, *Artamus*, is derived from the Greek word 'artamos', meaning "a butcher," possibly referring to the way woodswallows may impale insects on thorns or wedge them into crevices. - Its species name, *insignis*, is Latin for "distinguished" or "remarkable,"...