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White-browed Woodswallow

(Artamus superciliosus)
Alternative names: "Summerbird", "Martin"
Size: 19-20 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

White-browed Woodswallows are found over most of the eastern Australian continent, except Tasmania. They are found in most of SA, VIC, NSW and QLD, except the tropics. They are rarely found in WA, except possibly its south-western corner.

White-browed Woodswallows can be found in many different inland habitats, from wet forests to semi-arid plains.

Sightings

White-browed Woodswallows sometimes hunted above the paddocks of the place where we lived until 2006, 20 km south of Narrabri, NSW. In March 2006 a flock of hundreds appeared there, but they vanished again as quickly as they had arrived.

We also saw some in Warrumbungle National Park, 30 km west of Coonabarabran, NSW, where they were nesting at the time.

Spotted in the area of Myall Creek, northern NSW, in October 2007.

Also seen 20 km south-east of Narrabri in December 2008 and 20 km east of Narrabri in March 2009.

Photos

Frontal view of a male White-browed Woodswallow spreading its wings, giving a good view of its underwing plumage

Lateral view of a male White-browed Woodswallow

Lateral view of a female White-browed Woodswallow

Female White-browed Woodswallow in a tree in the Warrumbungle National Park returning to its nest

White-browed Woodswallow in flight

Breeding information

Breeding season: Aug - Dec Eggs: 2 - 3 Incubation period: ? Fledging age: ?

Given the right conditions, White-browed Woodswallows can breed at any time of the year.

Nest

Type: Basket Material: Sticks, with grass and/or other soft lining Height above ground: 0.5 - 3 m

Little White-browed Woodswallow begging for food...

... now together with its equally hungry sibling

Here is mom White-browed Woodswallow back on the nest

Eggs

Size: 21 x 16 mm Colour: Light-brown, with dark-brown speckles Shape: Tapered oval

Behaviour

Social behaviour: Communal Mobility: Migratory Elementary unit: Large flocks

Food

Like all members of the Artamus family known to us, hunt small insects which they devour in-flight. There are reports of them also feeding on nectar, which we have not seen yet.