White-breasted Woodswallow

The White-breasted Woodswallow, Artamus leucorynchus, presents a striking contrast with its dark grey head and neck juxtaposed against its white underparts. This medium-sized passerine is further identified by its stout, bluish-grey bill with a black tip, short black tail devoid of white—a unique feature among woodswallows—and grey feet. Both sexes are similar in appearance, while juveniles display a more brownish plumage with striations and a buff tint on the chest.

Identification Tips

To identify the White-breasted Woodswallow, look for the following characteristics: a dark grey head and neck, white underparts, a bluish-grey bill with a black tip, and a completely black tail. Juveniles may appear more brownish with striations. The bird measures up to 18 cm in length and weighs between 35 and 45 grams. Subspecies may exhibit slight variations in color, size, and bill dimensions.

Habitat

These birds inhabit a range of environments from forests and open woodlands to semi-arid plains. They favor areas with a mix of shrubs, mangroves, forest clearings, and grasses, often in proximity to watercourses, and can be found at elevations up to 1,500 meters.

Distribution

The White-breasted Woodswallow breeds from the Andaman Islands east through Indonesia and northern Australia. They are partially migratory, with southern populations moving northward during autumn and returning south in spring.

Behaviour

Noted for their agility in flight, White-breasted Woodswallows possess large, pointed wings that enable them to soar, a rare ability among passerines. They exhibit territorial aggression, even mobbing larger birds, and are known to roost in large flocks, often huddling together for warmth and energy conservation.

Song & Calls

The White-breasted Woodswallow is known to make a quiet 'eep' call, particularly during the female's breeding display.

Breeding

Breeding seasons vary by region, with northern areas typically breeding between March and May, and southern areas from August to January. These birds are cooperative breeders, with both sexes involved in nest building, incubation, and feeding. Nests are shallow, bowl-shaped structures placed in tree forks or hollow stumps, and the clutch size ranges from 2 to 5 eggs.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily insectivorous, White-breasted Woodswallows catch insects mid-flight or from perches, occasionally indulging in nectar. They may forage on the ground or in the canopy and sometimes feed communally.

Conservation status

The White-breasted Woodswallow is classified as Least Concern due to its stable and large population across an extensive range. There is no current evidence of population decline, and the species is commonly found throughout its distribution.