About Artamus cyanopterus (Latham, 1802)
The dusky woodswallow (Artamus cyanopterus) is a medium-sized, swallow-like bird. Its plumage is typically dark brown, though some individuals appear grey. It has a black patch in front of the eyes, grey (occasionally black) wings marked with white streaks, a black tail with a white tip, and silver underwings. Its bill is blue-grey with a black tip. A common trait shared with many other woodswallow species, dusky woodswallows spontaneously and vigorously wag or swivel their tails.
Dusky woodswallows live primarily in open eucalyptus forests and woodlands. Their range extends mostly from the Atherton Tableland in Queensland south to Tasmania, and west to Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. They roost communally, usually at night. During the breeding season, they nest in large flocks of 20 to 30 individuals to protect their young from predators. This species undertakes seasonal movements; it is nomadic and tends to move quite spontaneously, though south-eastern populations consistently migrate northward in autumn. As communal roosters, dusky woodswallows produce a range of chattering calls for different situations. Their most distinctive call is a harsh mobbing call used to warn others when a predator or intruder approaches.
