Apostlebird
Struthidea cinerea
Visual Identification
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.
Size
Length
29cm to 33cm
Wingspan
48cm to 52cm
Weight
120g to 140g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey
Secondary Colour
Black
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Subtropical, Temperate
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Apostlebird. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Apostlebird displays moderate agility, being adept at ground foraging and manoeuvring through open woodlands. Their ability to probe for insects and seeds suggests nimble movements, though they're not known for exceptional aerial acrobatics.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
With a robust bill capable of turning over soil and leaf litter, Apostlebirds exhibit decent strength for their size. Their medium build and ability to construct large mud-cup nests indicate moderate physical prowess.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Apostlebirds show high adaptability, thriving in various habitats from open woodlands to urban parks. Their ability to survive in arid environments by obtaining water from food and their successful adaptation to human-modified landscapes demonstrate remarkable versatility.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While not overtly aggressive, Apostlebirds are notably vocal and live in boisterous groups. Their cooperative breeding system suggests a level of assertiveness within their social structure, though they're not known for being particularly combative with other species.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Apostlebird's ability to forage extensively on the ground and survive in arid conditions indicates good endurance. Their distribution across wide ranges of Australia's interior and their capacity to thrive in various climates suggest a robust constitution.
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.
Vocalisation
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 and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
Unknown
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.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Grey Jumper, Happy Family, Lousy Jack
Family:
CorcoracidaeAverage Lifespan
10 to 15 years
Max Lifespan
25 years [3]
Predators
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.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Struthidea cinerea. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22705385A94015903.
View source - 3
journalArticle, 1938: Flower, Furter notes on the duration of life in animals. IV. Birds, Proc Zool Soc London, Ser. A:195-235
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