Butcherbirds

Butcherbirds are magpie-like songbirds that are native to Australasia. They were named for the way they store their prey -- hanging captured animals on a thorn, tree fork or crevice to support them while they are being eaten, or to store them for later consumption.

Distribution / Range

Butcherbirds occur throughout Australia, where they have adapted well to urbanization and can be found in leafy suburbs throughout

Description

Butcherbirds are mid-sized birds, measuring up to 35cm in length.

The color of their plumage ranges from black-and-white to mostly black, with possibly grey plumage, depending on the species.

The bill is large, straight with a distinctive hook.

Breeding / Nesting

The average clutch consists of one or two eggs in a clutch. The chicks are often seen trailing behind the mother and "squeak" incessantly begging to be fed.

Diet / Feeding

Butcherbirds mostly feed on insects, but will also take small lizards and other prey. They will also accept scraps, such as mealworms or bread.

Species

• Black Butcherbird, Cracticus quoyi
  
• Grey Butcherbird, Cracticus torquatus
  
  • Silver-Backed Butcherbird Cracticus argenteus (alternately a subspecies of C. torquatus)
    
• Hooded Butcherbird, Cracticus cassicus
  
• Tagula Butcherbird, Cracticus louisiadensis
  
• Black-backed Butcherbird, Cracticus mentalis
  
• Pied Butcherbird, Cracticus nigrogularis
  

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