Birds of a feather - Pied Butcherbird

The Pied Butcherbird is a native endemic species and one of five butcherbirds found in Australia  As the name “pied” implies,  it is black and white in colour with a black head and throat giving it a black hooded appearance with a white collar.  The males and females look alike. Like other butcherbirds it has a hooked bill which is used to catch and tear into its victims. It feeds on reptiles, mammals, frogs and birds, usually catching them on the ground. It will sometimes impale its prey on a twig or wire enabling it to come back and feed later – hence the name butcherbird.

Butcherbirds are medium sized and smaller than their close relatives the currawongs and the Australian Magpie and are found throughout Australia except in the lower south-east and Tasmania.  Although it occurs locally, we are on the fringe of its range and it is more likely to be seen in the more open country rather than in the Rushworth bush.   Another species is the Grey Butcherbird, which is more common in town.

The Pied Butcherbird nests in trees, building a cup-shaped nest.  It is a co-operative breeder meaning that the parents may have several helpers.  This is a feature of many Australian birds as in a tough environments it helps to have more than the two parents to raise the young.  Although the parents will aggressively defend their territory, they are quite confiding, being friendly towards people and can be fed.

The haunting call of the Pied Butcherbird has been described as a “magic flute” and has been called the most beautiful of any Australian bird and perhaps the most beautiful in the world.  They may call at any time of day, often from a high branch and although the call varies between birds, it’s distinctive pure notes may be enchanting to the listener and have inspired musicians to write music to emulate the sound.

Rushy Birder