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Strepera graculina ssp. graculina
The "pied currawong" (Strepera graculina) is a medium-sized black passerine bird native to eastern Australia and Lord Howe Island. One of three currawong species in the genus Strepera, it is closely related to the butcherbirds and Australian magpie of the family Artamidae. Six subspecies are recognised. It is a robust crow-like bird averaging around 48 cm (19 in) in length, black or sooty grey-black in plumage with white undertail and wing patches, yellow irises, and a heavy bill. The male and female are similar in appearance. Known for its melodious calls, the species' name currawong is believed to be of indigenous origin. (Wikipedia)
This specimen was spotted in native bushland at Tia Falls in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, situated in the New England District of NSW. Rugged gorges, ample water, and surrounding areas mostly rural farmland.
PICNIC TIME!!! Pied currawongs are omnivorous and opportunistic, and you can never turn your back on them when food is involved. The day I visited Tia Falls, it was mid-week and mid-winter, and not a soul within cooee of my location. There was a campsite nearby, but it was vacant. This fellow spotted me and followed me for quite some time, and even tried to raid my lunch pack. They are big believers in the concept of self-service!
13 Comments
Thanks, Polilla. Animals wrote the book on opportunism. I do like these birds. Not only beautiful, they can be bold and quite comical at times.
Thanks, Pradeep. He was looking for something nice as well. Too late!
Nice!
Thanks, Jim. I agree wholeheartedly. It's never too late to learn something new, and the research is part of the fun... except for fungi. Fungi research has driven me to the brink of insanity. Gotta love it :)
The great thing about PN is researching your findings, and getting input from others. Nice job, Neil!
Anything they can catch, really. Small birds and rodents, insects, snakes, berries, etc. They're a decent size bird and quite strong. I've seen them raid nest too.
What is their natural diet?
I'd already eaten it, Hema, but I think the bird saw me eating it. Sorry, buddy, it's all gone!
Great spotting! It was nice that you could save your lunch in a timely way!
Thanks, Ava. I enjoy writing notes as they can fill in the gaps. Some of my spottings, however "ordinary" they may have been, have also been the most memorable. It's the interaction with each species that I love the most, and I usually learn something new too. Why not share the experience? PS: I feel so ripped-off when there's no info provided with a spotting.
Neil, I always love your notes!
You bet! Sandwiches, cookies, fruit, etc. I was on a road trip from Sydney to Brisbane, so well stocked. This fellow wasn't frightened of me. Campers have made him rather bold, and he would have been right in there had I not seen him first.
I love that first shot! "Anything yummy in that bag, by any chance..?"