There are six distinct subspecies of Grey Currawong in Australia but the resident form here is the Black-winged Currawong, race melanoptera. At 50cm long and with those yellow eyes and impressive bill, it's certainly a striking bird. There is a breeding pair in residence - and they've successfully raised at least one chick that I've observed. Not long ago I heard first, then saw a major dispute between resident birds and another pair who'd entered their territory. The currawongs are the alpha bird predators here. As omnivores they can be observed feeding on the ground, extracting various insects, or in trees pulling off bark to find grubs and so forth and, in spring, methodically searching for nests with eggs and chicks. This latter behaviour makes them very unpopular with the other birds, including magpies (which are relatives) and a chorus of alarm calls usually indicates a currawong on the prowl. Magpies and wattlebirds swoop and snap at the currawong who is pretty much impervious to such assaults, but will sometimes tire of a sustained onslaught and move away. Generally nervous when on the ground around the humans here, they are more confident once up in a tree and seem to be quite curious.
1 Comment
Crystal
11/5/2018 12:23:56 pm
I love the photography! Such stunning images.
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Archives
December 2018
January - Superb Fairy-Wren
Feb - Eastern Yellow Robin March - NH Honeyeater April - Crimson Rosella May - Grey Currawong June - Grey Shrike-thrush July - Red-browed Finch Aug - White-browed Babbler Sept - Australian Ringneck Oct - Striated Thornbill Nov-Y-t Black Cockatoo Dec - Australian Magpie |