Grey butcherbird

The grey butcherbird is a widely distributed species endemic to Australia. It occurs in a range of different habitats including arid, semi-arid and temperate zones. It is found across southern Australia, but is absent from the deserts of central Australia and the monsoon tropics of northern Australia. It has a characteristic rollicking birdsong. It appears to be adapting well to city living, and can be encountered in the suburbs of many Australian cities including Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Hobart. The grey butcherbird preys on small vertebrates including other birds.

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Distribution

Region

Australia

Typical Environment

Occurs widely across southern and eastern Australia, including Tasmania, and extends patchily into drier inland regions. It is largely absent from the central deserts and the monsoonal far north. Habitats include open forests, woodlands, mallee, farmland, coastal scrub, and urban parks and gardens. The species favors edge habitats, clearings, and riparian corridors with scattered trees. It often perches conspicuously to survey for prey and to sing.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size24–30 cm

Wing Span38–43 cm

Male Weight0.095 kg

Female Weight0.085 kg

Life Expectancy10 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Grey butcherbirds are named for their habit of impaling prey on thorns or wedging it in crevices to tear apart, much like true butcher birds (shrikes). They have a rich, rollicking song and often perform duets, sometimes incorporating mimicry. The species adapts readily to suburbs and parks, where it can become quite bold around people.

Gallery

Juvenile

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Typically found singly or in territorial pairs that defend year-round territories. Nests are open cups placed in trees or tall shrubs; clutches usually contain 2–4 eggs. In some populations, older offspring may act as helpers at the nest.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A rich, melodious, and rollicking song delivered from exposed perches, often at dawn. Pairs may duet, and individuals sometimes mimic other species. Calls can shift to harsh scolds when alarmed.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Grey crowned crane

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Grey fantail

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Grey francolin

The grey francolin is a species of francolin found in the plains and drier parts of the Indian subcontinent and Iran. This species was formerly also called the grey partridge, not to be confused with the European grey partridge. They are mainly ground-living birds and are found in open cultivated lands as well as scrub forest and their local name of teetar is based on their calls, a loud and repeated Ka-tee-tar...tee-tar which is produced by one or more birds. The term teetar can also refer to other partridges and quails. During the breeding season calling males attract challengers, and decoys were used to trap these birds especially for fighting.