Woodswallows, Butcherbirds & Allies

The Artamidae family, known for its 24 species of birds, including woodswallows, currawongs, and the Australian magpie, is a group of passerine birds widespread in Australia, Indo-Pacific, and Southern Asia. Initially, Artamidae only included woodswallows, but expanded in 1994 to encompass the related Cracticidae; however, some sources still consider them separate. These birds exhibit a wide range of feeding habits, from the nectar-sucking woodswallows to the predation habits of the pied currawong. Introduced in 1825 by Nicholas Aylward Vigors, Artamids belong to the superfamily Malaconotoidea and are believed to have lived in Australasia for millions of years. Artamids vary in size, habitat preference, and social behavior, some being solitary and others living in flocks. Their diet is omnivorous, and they feature notable feeding strategies, such as vertical feeding zones. Artamids are also recognized for their singing ability, especially the butcherbird, currawong, and magpie. Morphologically, they vary in size and have robust beaks and anisodactyl foot arrangements, suitable for perching. Powder down feathers and a lack of pronounced sexual dimorphism in plumage are other characteristics. The largest threats they face are habitat destruction and predation from introduced species like cats. The family includes six genera, divided into three subfamilies, with notable members like the mountain peltops, Australian magpie, and a variety of woodswallows. A fossil species, Kurrartapu, also belongs to this family, dating back to the Early Miocene.