Black-faced Woodswallow

The Black-faced Woodswallow, Artamus cinereus, presents a striking figure with its distinctive black facial mask extending from the base of its bill to encompass the eyes. This bird, measuring 18–19 cm in length and weighing between 32–40 grams, is cloaked in ash grey plumage, with a lighter breast, darker wings, and silver underwings. Its tail is a stark black with a white tip, and it sports a blue-grey beak tipped in black.

Identification Tips

To identify the Black-faced Woodswallow, look for the characteristic black facial mask and the contrast between the ash grey body and the darker wings. The tail's white tip is a key feature, as is the blue-grey beak with a black tip. Juveniles can be distinguished by their brown body and wing coloration with buff streaks and a pale yellow beak.

Habitat

The Black-faced Woodswallow is a denizen of open eucalypt woodlands, scrub, and spinifex in arid and semi-arid regions. In tropical savannahs, it favors open woodlands and grasslands.

Distribution

This species is widespread across Australia, New Guinea, and the Sunda Islands, including Timor. It is the most prevalent species within the Artamidae family.

Behaviour

The Black-faced Woodswallow is known for its aerial agility, soaring, hovering, and diving to catch insect prey. It is also a communal breeder, with multiple birds often feeding the young, and exhibits a tendency to flock and cluster roost for thermoregulation and protection.

Song & Calls

The soft vocal repertoire of the Black-faced Woodswallow includes chiff, chap, and chattering calls, which may incorporate elements of vocal mimicry.

Breeding

Breeding typically follows periods of rain when insects are abundant. The woodswallow engages in courtship displays involving tail rotation and wing waving. Nests are constructed in tree hollows or crevices, and eggs are white to dull white with red-brown and lavender speckling.

Similar Species

While there are no similar species mentioned, the subspecies can be differentiated by the coloration of their tail vents, with some having white and others black.

Diet and Feeding

The Black-faced Woodswallow is primarily insectivorous, catching moths and other insects in flight or on the ground. It also has a brush-like tongue for gleaning nectar and may occasionally feed on flowers.

Conservation Status

The Black-faced Woodswallow is currently listed as Least Concern, though there have been regional declines, particularly on the Cape York Peninsula, attributed to changes in vegetation due to fire regimes. However, recent changes in fire management have halted the decline.