The apostlebird, also known as the grey jumper, lousy jack or happy family, is a quick-moving, gray or black bird about 33 cm (13 in) long. It is a native to Australia where it roams woodlands, eating insects and seeds at, or near, ground level. Apostlebirds often travel in groups of about 12; for this reason, they were named after the 12 Biblical apostles.
Region
Eastern and inland Australia
Typical Environment
Found across the inland and eastern woodlands and scrublands of Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and northern Victoria, with some occurrence in the semi-arid interior. They favor open eucalypt and acacia woodland, riparian corridors, and shelterbelts around farms and homesteads. Apostlebirds often occupy areas with sparse ground cover and leaf litter, and they readily use human-modified habitats such as roadside verges and picnic areas. They are largely sedentary, maintaining year-round territories and family ranges.
Altitude Range
0–1000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Apostlebirds are highly social, cooperative breeders that live in tight-knit groups often nicknamed "happy families." They build sturdy bowl-shaped mud nests and all group members help feed and guard the young. Much of their time is spent on the ground, where they hop and run rather than fly, and they often indulge in communal dust-bathing.
Mud nest high in a fig tree
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant flier that often keeps low
Social Behavior
Lives in cohesive groups of around 6–12 or more individuals that forage, roost, and breed together. Nests are sturdy mud bowls placed in tree forks, and multiple helpers assist the breeding pair with incubation and feeding. Groups defend territories with chattering displays and coordinated mobbing of intruders.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A constant chorus of chattering, scolding, and metallic twangs, punctuated by buzzy contact calls. Vocalizations are often delivered in overlapping group sequences that reinforce cohesion.
Plumage
Shaggy, sooty to brownish-grey plumage with paler grey underparts and a darker face and throat; feathers can look worn or scruffy.
Diet
Primarily consumes ground-dwelling insects such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars, supplemented with seeds, small fruits, and occasionally human food scraps. They probe leaf litter and soil, turning debris with their bills to uncover prey. During dry periods they increase seed and plant matter intake.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly on the ground in open woodland, along tracks and fencelines, and around watercourses. They also frequent parklands, picnic sites, and farmyards where they pick through litter and short grass.
