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Cracticus torquatus)
This Butcherbird is a juvenile, which was rescued. Butcherbirds are large songbirds, related closely to the Australian Magpie. They are between 30 and 40 centimetres in length. They have a large, straight bill with a distinctive hook at the end which is used on their prey.
Found throughout Australie except in the deserts and tropical north. THis one was spotted in southern NSW.
Butcherbirds impale their prey on sharp twigs, or wedge them in the forks of trees. This seems to be where they "store" their uneaten prey for later. Using the sharp hook on the end of the beak, they can tear strips of their prey, for eating. Thus the common name of "butcherbird". This rescued bird was successfully released a few days after this photo was taken..
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