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WOODSWALLOW

Species: Artamus leucorynchus

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DESCRIPTION

Woodswallows are highly social birds, distinctively known for their habit of perching closely together in tight, communal groups. This behaviour fosters strong social bonds within the flock, as members rely on one another for companionship and security. By clustering tightly, woodswallows benefit from shared body heat, which helps them conserve energy and maintain warmth during cold nights, especially in cooler climates. This unique adaptation also serves as a survival strategy, as the warmth generated by their collective body heat reduces the energy they would otherwise expend to stay warm, allowing them to thrive in various environments. Their close-knit behaviour highlights the importance of social interactions and cooperation within their species, making woodswallows a fascinating example of avian social structure and adaptation.

DIET

Woodswallows have a primarily insectivorous diet, relying on their exceptional flying skills to capture prey in mid-air. They feed on a variety of insects, including beetles, flies, wasps, and grasshoppers, which they catch using swift, agile movements. Unlike many birds that forage on the ground, woodswallows prefer to hunt in the open air, taking advantage of their broad wings and forked tails to perform quick turns and dives. This high-protein diet supports their active lifestyle and social nature. Occasionally, they supplement their diet with nectar and pollen, especially when insects are scarce, which can be particularly beneficial in maintaining energy levels during migration or colder seasons. This diverse diet allows woodswallows to adapt to different environments, making them resilient and highly adaptable birds across their range.

 

FIND OUT MORE
OUR ANIMAL FAMILY
ANIMAL FACTS

WOODSWALLOW

GROUP NAME

Squadrons

Native To

SIZE

15cm to 20cm

BABY NAME

Chick

Habitat

Woodswallows are versatile birds that inhabit a wide range of environments, including open woodlands, savannas, grasslands, and forest edges. They are often found in areas with scattered trees and shrubs, which provide perching spots for their characteristic flocking behaviour. Woodswallows are also common near water sources and open fields, where flying insects – their primary food source – are abundant. Their adaptable nature allows them to thrive in various climates across their native range.

Did You Know?

Woodswallows are agile flyers and are known for their impressive aerial skills. They often swoop and dart through the air with precision to catch flying insects mid-flight, using their broad wings and forked tails for sharp turns and quick manoeuvres.


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Woodswallows are agile flyers and are known for their impressive aerial skills. They often swoop and dart through the air with precision to catch flying insects mid-flight, using their broad wings and forked tails for sharp turns and quick manoeuvres.

Woodswallows are agile flyers and are known for their impressive aerial skills. They often swoop and dart through the air with precision to catch flying insects mid-flight, using their broad wings and forked tails for sharp turns and quick manoeuvres.

MEET OUR

ANIMAL FAMILY

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