Little Woodswallow
NameLittle Woodswallow
Common NameLittle Woodswallow
Scientific NameArtamus minor
FamilyArtamidae
Wingspan (cm)26.5
Length (cm)13
Weight (g)14.5
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is uniformly sooty brown to blackish across the entire body, giving it a very dark appearance. The bill is a striking pale blue-grey with a darker tip, and the eyes are dark.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include soft, chattering 'chip-chip' or 'tchip-tchip' calls, and sometimes a harsher 'churr' sound.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, desert, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across northern and central Australia, including parts of Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland, and northern South Australia.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size for a woodswallow, Uniformly dark sooty-brown/blackish plumage, Pale blue-grey bill with a dark tip, Often perches upright on exposed branches, Distinctive sallying flight for insect hunting
Description
The Little Woodswallow is a small, dark-plumaged passerine bird found in Australia. It is known for its distinctive pale blue-grey bill and its habit of perching conspicuously on dead branches or wires, from which it sallies out to catch insects in flight. These highly social birds often form flocks.
