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Dusky Woodswallow

(Artamus cyanopterus)
Alternative names: "Sordid Wood-swallow", "Martin", "Jacky Martin"
Size: 17-18 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

Dusky Woodswallows are found in the southern and eastern parts of the Australian continent. Race "cyanopterus" is found in the eastern part of SA, all of VIC and NSW and most of QLD, except the westernmost part and the tip of Cape York. Some are also found on the eastern side of Tasmania. Race "perthi" is found in southern WA and the south-western part of SA. Both races are most common on the southern fringe of their habitat.

Dusky Woodswallows can usually be found in open forest and woodland.

Sightings

We have seen Dusky Woodswallows several times were we lived until 2006, 20 km south of Narrabri, NSW. They hunted in flocks above the paddocks and sometimes sat on power lines to rest.

Together with many other migratory birds, in 2007 they re-appeared in the Narrabri in late August area after their winter absence. Seen also near Myall Creek, northern NSW, and frequently on the western fringe of Mt. Kaputar National Park, 30 km east of Narrabri. Re-appeared there in early August 2008, after only a very brief absence of maybe 6-8 weeks.

Also seen by us in many different places along the Darling River and into South Australia in March 2008.

Photos

Frontal view of a Dusky Woodswallow 30 km east of Narrabri

Dusky Woodswallow checking out the photographer

Lateral view of a Dusky Woodswallow hanging off the bark of a dead ironbark tree; the bird was happy to stay like this for many minutes

Immature Dusky Woodswallow

Breeding information

Breeding season: Aug - Dec Eggs: 3 - 4 Incubation period: ? Fledging age: ?

Given the right conditions (e.g. absence of frost), Dusky Woodswallows can breed almost all year round.

Nest

Type: Basket Material: Twigs, with soft lining Height above ground: 5 - ? m

Here the unattended nest of a pair of Dusky Woodswallows in a stunted fork; without the birds' activities it would certainly have gone unnoticed

Even with a bird incubating the nest is very inconspicuous

Here a "change of the guard", which attracted the observer's attention

The nest itself is barely visible, but the dark patch sitting on the trunk of this mistletoe is the nesting place chosen by a pair of Dusky Woodswallows in November 2008

Eggs

Size: 24 x 17 mm Colour: Light-brown, with brown speckles Shape: Tapered oval

Behaviour

Social behaviour: Communal Mobility: Migratory in SE, sedentary in SW Elementary unit: Small flock

Like some other species of woodswallows (and some other species as well), Dusky Woodswallows like to huddle together closely.

Photo taken in difficult light conditions

Food

Like all members of the Artamus family known to us, hunt small insects which they devour in-flight.

This bird is approaching its nest with a load of insects