The little woodswallow, is a bird patchily distributed over much of mainland Australia, avoiding only the driest deserts and the area within about 300 kilometres of the southern coastline, and showing a preference for rugged terrain around inland ranges.
Region
Mainland Australia
Typical Environment
Patchily distributed over much of mainland Australia, it is most regular in inland and northern regions while avoiding the driest central deserts and areas within a few hundred kilometers of the far southern coast. It shows a strong preference for rugged country—rocky hills, escarpments, gorges, and sandstone outcrops. Birds also use open eucalypt woodland and riparian trees near waterholes, especially where cliffs or boulder-strewn slopes are nearby. They are scarce in dense forest and treeless dune deserts but readily occur around pastoral lands with scattered trees. Roosts are often on sheltered ledges, under rock overhangs, or in hollows.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The little woodswallow is the smallest of the Australian woodswallows and often huddles tightly with others on exposed branches or cliff faces to conserve warmth. It favors rugged inland terrain and frequently hunts insects on the wing in swift, acrobatic sallies. Pairs nest in tree hollows or crevices, with both parents caring for the young.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, swooping sallies; strong flier
Social Behavior
Often seen in small groups or loose flocks, perching closely together and forming tight huddles at roost. Pairs nest in tree hollows or rock crevices, lined with fine material. Both parents incubate and feed nestlings, and family groups may remain together after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, high-pitched twitters and chattering calls, often given in contact while foraging. Alarm notes are sharper and more clipped, with a thin, squeaky quality.
Plumage
Compact, uniformly sooty-brown to dark chocolate-brown with a slightly paler belly; short square tail and long, pointed wings give a swallow-like silhouette.
Diet
Primarily aerial insectivores, capturing flying insects such as termites, ants, beetles, and moths on the wing. They launch from perches on rocks or exposed branches to make rapid sallies and often return to the same perch. During termite emergences, they feed intensively over ridgelines and waterholes. Occasional gleaning from foliage or rock faces occurs when insect activity is low.
Preferred Environment
Forages along cliff lines, rocky slopes, and open woodland edges where updrafts concentrate flying insects. Frequently hunts above waterholes, creek lines, and ridges that generate insect swarms.
