Dusky Woodswallow
Artamus cyanopterus
Also known as: Dusky Wood Swallow
About This Species
Common in open eucalypt woodland across much of southern and eastern Australia, often seen perched in loose groups on bare branches or wires between bouts of gliding, insect-catching flight. Its soft, chattering calls and habit of huddling together on a shared perch make small groups easy to pick out. It is more visible in the warmer months when insect activity is highest, and some populations move north in winter.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Viewing from a normal walking distance without approaching a perch directly is enough, since the species tolerates moderate human presence in open habitat.
- It is protected under Australian Commonwealth and state wildlife legislation, which prohibits disturbing nests, though the exact rules differ between states.
- Avoiding close approach to nest hollows or exposed nests, particularly during the spring breeding season, is the main precaution.
LCAvesPasseriformesArtamidae
Seasonal Activity
179,202 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Artamidae
Photo
Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
CC-BY-SA-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.