Species Profile
Apostlebird
Struthidea cinerea
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Grey Jumper, Happy Family, Lousy Jack
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Appearance
The Apostlebird is a medium-sized bird with predominantly slate-grey plumage, darker wings, and a long black tail. Its most striking features are piercing blue-grey eyes and a robust, slightly curved black bill. The bird's legs are also black, complementing its overall sleek appearance.
Both males and females share similar plumage, making them indistinguishable in the field. Juveniles closely resemble adults but may have slightly duller plumage and less vibrant eye colouration.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Grey
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Markings
Black wings and tail with grey body
Tail: Long and black
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Apostlebirds are endemic to Australia, found across a wide range of the continent's interior. They inhabit open woodlands, savanna grasslands, and agricultural areas and prefer areas with scattered trees and open ground for foraging.
While primarily inland birds, they have adapted well to human-modified landscapes and can be found in rural towns, farmlands, and even some urban parks. Their distribution extends from central Queensland through New South Wales to northern Victoria and eastern South Australia.
Distribution
Diet
Apostlebirds are omnivores, eating primarily insects, seeds, and small fruits. They forage extensively on the ground, using their strong bills to turn over soil and leaf litter in search of prey.
During certain seasons, they may also feed on nectar from flowering plants.
Behaviour
Apostlebirds are highly social, typically found in boisterous groups of 6 to 20 individuals, which gave rise to their common name. They are often seen foraging on the ground, using their strong bills to probe for insects and seeds.
These birds are known for their cooperative breeding system, where multiple birds assist in raising young, showcasing their complex social structure.
Calls & Sounds
Apostlebirds are notably vocal, with a repertoire of harsh, grating calls. Their most common vocalisation is a loud, raspy 'cark-cark-cark' or 'kark-kark-kark', often given in chorus by the group. They also produce softer, chattering sounds during social interactions within the flock.
Nesting & Breeding
Apostlebirds have a unique cooperative breeding system, typically from August to January. Pairs form within the larger group, but multiple birds contribute to nest building and chick rearing.
The nest is a large, mud-cup structure usually placed in the fork of a tree, 3-15 meters above ground. Females lay 2-5 pale blue or greenish-white eggs with brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 16-18 days, with multiple group members taking turns. Nestlings fledge after approximately 19-23 days but continue to be fed by the group for several weeks after leaving the nest.
Conservation
While the Apostlebird is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, localised threats include habitat loss due to land clearing and urbanisation.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving their woodland habitats and maintaining suitable corridors between populations to ensure genetic diversity.
Elevation
Up to 1,000 meters
Additional Details
- Egg size:
- 3cm x 2cm
- Predators:
- Major predators of Apostlebirds include birds of prey such as hawks and falcons, as well as introduced mammals like feral cats and foxes.
- Alarm calls:
- Loud and sharp calls
- Breeding age:
- 1
- Maturity age:
- 1
- Feeding times:
- Throughout the day
- Major threats:
- Habitat loss due to land clearing
- Parental care:
- Both parents and helpers from the group care for chicks, females mainly incubate
- Primary calls:
- Loud and musical
- Social habits:
- Highly social, often seen in groups
- Egg appearance:
- Pale bluish white with dark spots
- Feeding habits:
- Forages on the ground
- Breeding season:
- August to February
- Diet variations:
- Diet varies with season and location
- Fledging period:
- Approximately 3 weeks
- Average lifespan:
- 10
- Call description:
- A series of whistles, chirps and chatters
- Daily activities:
- Active during the day, foraging for food
- Nesting location:
- Trees or shrubs
- Number of broods:
- Up to two
- Incubation period:
- 19-20 days
- Nest construction:
- Mud bowl lined with grass
- Migration patterns:
- Non-migratory
- Migratory patterns:
- Non-migratory
- Age related changes:
- Few known
- Prey capture method:
- Picking from the ground
- Conservation efforts:
- Protected in many areas
- Territorial behavior:
- Defends their territories and nests
- Reproductive behavior:
- Cooperative breeding with group members helping to raise chicks
- Special dietary needs:
- None known
- Clutch characteristics:
- 3-5 eggs
- Interaction with other species:
- Generally peaceful, but can be aggressive during breeding season
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for noisy groups foraging on the ground in open woodlands or near human settlements.
- Listen for their distinctive, harsh 'cark-cark-cark' calls, often revealing their presence.
- Observe their cooperative behaviours, especially during the breeding season.
- In Australia, check parks and farmlands near water sources, where they're commonly found.
Did You Know?
- Apostlebirds got their name from usually being seen in groups of 12, reminiscent of the biblical apostles.
- They are one of only two species in the Corcoracidae family, both endemic to Australia.
- Apostlebirds can survive in arid environments by obtaining most of their water from their food.
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