Saturday 25 February 2017

PIED CURRAWONG

The pied currawong (Strepera graculina) is a medium-sized black passerine bird native to eastern Australia and Lord Howe Island. One of three currawong species in the genus Strepera, it is closely related to the butcherbirds and Australian magpie of the family Artamidae. Six subspecies are recognised.

It is a robust crowlike bird averaging around 48 cm in length, black or sooty grey-black in plumage with white undertail and wing patches, yellow irises, and a heavy bill. The male and female are similar in appearance. Known for its melodious calls, the species' name currawong is believed to be of indigenous origin. Within its range, the pied currawong is generally sedentary, although populations at higher altitudes relocate to lower areas during the cooler months.

It is omnivorous, with a diet that includes a wide variety of berries and seeds, invertebrates, bird eggs and juvenile birds. It is a predator which has adapted well to urbanisation and can be found in parks and gardens as well as rural woodland. The habitat includes all kinds of forested areas, although mature forests are preferred for breeding. Roosting, nesting and the bulk of foraging take place in trees, in contrast with the ground-foraging behaviour of its relative, the Australian magpie. Here it is seen in suburban Melbourne, in the Darebin Parklands in Fairfield.

This post is part of the Scenic Weekends meme,
and also part of the Saturday Critters meme,
and also part of the Camera Critters meme.



4 comments:

  1. Hello, what an awesome looking bird. Great shots. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend!

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  2. Pretty scenery, and great bird photos!
    Have a wonderful week-end!

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  3. Your link at Eileen's Saturday Critters isn't the correct one...but I managed to find this post and such a beautiful bird it is! I love birding, and to see this from another part of the globe is a special treat.

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  4. Beautiful feathered friend and so well photographed ~ thanks,

    Wishing you a Happy Saturday ~ ^_^

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