Masked woodswallow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Masked woodswallow |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Artamus
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| Species: |
personatus
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The Masked Woodswallow (Artamus personatus) is a type of bird that belongs to the Artamidae family. These birds are known for moving around a lot and often fly in large groups. They are a common sight in many parts of Australia.
Contents
What Does the Masked Woodswallow Look Like?
Masked Woodswallows are about 18 to 20 centimeters (7 to 8 inches) long. Their wings can spread out to 32 to 34 centimeters (12 to 13 inches). They weigh around 37 grams, which is about as much as a few pencils.
How to Tell Males, Females, and Young Birds Apart
Male and female Masked Woodswallows look quite different, which is special for this type of bird. Young birds also have their own unique look.
- Adult Males: They have a clear black mask on their face. This mask covers their eyes, cheeks, chin, and throat. Their upper body is dark blue-grey, and their tail has a noticeable white tip. Their belly is light grey, becoming whitish under their tail. Their legs and feet are grey or black.
- Adult Females: They look similar to males but are a bit browner. Their face mask is not as clear or sharp as the male's.
- Young Birds: These birds look like adult females but are even browner. They might have a slightly spotted or streaky pattern on their feathers.
Masked Woodswallow Life and Habits
What Do Masked Woodswallows Eat?
Masked Woodswallows mainly eat insects. They are good at catching insects in the air, almost like a hawk. Sometimes, they also eat nectar from flowers and even a little fruit.
Reproduction and Breeding Habits
Masked Woodswallows usually breed in pairs. They do not breed in large groups like some other birds. They are known to breed across most of their home range in Australia. However, they usually do not breed along the eastern and southeastern coasts.
They typically lay eggs during spring and summer. The exact time can change a little each year. Most of the time, they will breed once a year, but sometimes they might breed twice.
Where Do Masked Woodswallows Build Nests?
Their nests are often small and not very strong. They are usually built low to the ground, often only one or two meters high. You might find their nests in tree stumps, fallen branches, bushes, or even on fence posts.
Both the male and female birds work together to build the nest. They use small twigs and grass for the main part. Then, they add a top layer of dry or green grass to finish it.
About Their Eggs
Masked Woodswallow eggs are usually pale greyish-white, light greenish-grey, or a light creamy brown color. They are about 22 millimeters long and 17 millimeters wide. They are shaped like a normal oval, tapering at one end.
A female usually lays 2 to 3 eggs at a time. Sometimes, they might lay 1 or 4 eggs, but this is less common. Their eggs look very similar to those of the White-browed Woodswallow.
Where Do Masked Woodswallows Live?
Masked Woodswallows are found all over mainland Australia. They are less common in areas right along the coast. They prefer open forests, woodlands, and areas with heath plants. You can also see them along roadsides and in farm tree belts. They mostly live in dry and semi-dry parts of Australia.
Sometimes, a few Masked Woodswallows have been seen in places like Tasmania, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, and Lord Howe Island. These birds are called "vagrants" because they are usually not found there.
Images for kids
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A close-up of a Masked Woodswallow.
See also
In Spanish: Artamo enmascarado para niños
