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ApostlebirdAlternative names: "Lousy Jack", "Family-bird", "Grey Jumper", "12 Apostles" |
Sightings
Apostlebirds are a common sight in the Narrabri, New South Wales, region. They are often seen foraging through foliage by the roadside in groups of around 10. They are very cunning birds that can adapt to humans around them quite easily and they can estimate speeds (of cars) with extreme accuracy.
Photos
Apostlebird coming in for a drink and a bath. While they are using the water hole (usually as a group), nobody else will normally be tolerated around; note the brown colour of the wing feathers (click on image for larger version)
Close-up view of an Apostlebird (click on image for larger version)
Portrait of a Apostlebird (click on image for larger version)
Profile of a Apostlebird (click on image for larger version)
Here an example of why Apostlebirds are also called "Familybirds" (click on image for larger version)
Nest
The similarity of the nest shown below with that of Magpie-larks and their behaviour when a family of Apostles is close to their nest made us wonder whether Apostlebirds sometimes "usurp" their nests.
Apostlebird approaching the nest with a clutch of chicks in it, while the rest of the family remained in a nearby tree (click on image for larger version)
When the "all clear" was given, some loving care was given to the chicks... (click on image for larger version)
... before sitting down again (click on image for larger version)
Habits
It is astonishing that Apostlebirds are not found all over Australia, because wherever they show up they are so dominant that others steer clear of them. Amongst others, they hustle our Bantam chickens. Amongst each other Apostlebirds are very sociable, e.g. preening each other. While foraging on the ground, groups of Apostlebirds always have a sentry sitting in an elevated spot, warning the others if necessary.
Often seen by us together with Grey-crowned Babblers and also with White-winged Choughs.