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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.

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A photo of a Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen)

Australian Magpie

Gymnorhina tibicen
A photo of a Dusky Woodswallow (Artamus cyanopterus)

Dusky Woodswallow

Artamus cyanopterus

Fiji Woodswallow

Artamus mentalis
A photo of a Masked Woodswallow (Artamus personatus) , male

Masked Woodswallow

Artamus personatus
A photo of a White-breasted Woodswallow (Artamus leucorynchus)

White-breasted Woodswallow

Artamus leucorynchus
A photo of a White-browed Woodswallow (Artamus superciliosus) , male

White-browed Woodswallow

Artamus superciliosus
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What Our Birders Say
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Fantastic App
This is a really lovely app, for everyone interested in birds - from newbies to old hands. There is a very friendly feel to the community and you will genuinely learn a lot as you record your sightings and photos. There are lots of badges and competitions to keep you engaged, and a host of really useful features.
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Clean and easy to use
Really enjoying this app, it's clean and easy to use. I love the ease of being able to add those one-off birds without starting a whole checklist. I also like the social aspect, like the parts of my Facebook I like, without the ads and junk, just birds. Can't wait to see it become more populated.
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Downloaded to give it a try, everything worked perfectly, recorded my first bird watching walk. Very impressed. Have already recommended to friends!
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Birda is honestly the best bird logging app I have seen. I love all the features it has from being able to do a session and log all the birds you see in one sitting, to being able to connect with other birders from all over the globe!
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Great app for bird lovers
I love this app! It’s a wonderful way to track birding sessions, and also connect you with fellow birders. I also really like the unidentified bird section, it’s a great community tool to help figure out what a never-before-seen bird is!
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I really enjoy using Birda, all sightings are recorded and photos can be added. There are monthly challenges which help to get you out to record your sightings. The Birda community are great and are happy to help with unidentified bird sightings. Suitable for all ages and experience!
Jake W
Great app
I use this app all the time as it’s quick and easy to log individual sightings or whole birding sessions. It’s an excellent way to meet new people and the forum is full of really friendly people. The challenges are a great way to get involved and learn more about birds. Cannot recommend it enough!
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Love this app. It is easy to use and accurate, Their backup communication is really good. I noted a missing species. All through the process, I was kept informed about the progress in correcting the information. I now have the corrected, updated version. 😁 Thanks!
SuperOliviaGirl
Really great app
It’s easy to use and it’s fun to log the birds you notice on a walk or just in your garden. There’s a option to record the birds you see in a session which is really nice. Good excuse to stop for a while and just watch birds. I am also enjoying the information part where you can find out fact about birds from all over the world.
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