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Apostlebird

Struthidea cinerea

Least Concern
Known as the "happy family" bird, this gregarious Australian native charms observers with its boisterous group behaviour and distinctive grey plumage.
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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

The Apostlebird can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Apostlebird is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Apostlebird is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Apostlebird is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Apostlebird can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Apostlebird is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Apostlebird can be found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Apostlebird is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Apostlebird is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Apostlebird is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Apostlebird is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Apostlebird is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year
Australia

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird 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.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 65

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 55

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 80

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 60

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 70

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

Least Concern [1]

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

Global Population Trend

[2]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

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:

Corcoracidae

Average Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Max Lifespan

25 years [3]

Predators

Major predators of Apostlebirds include birds of prey such as hawks and falcons, as well as introduced mammals like feral cats and foxes.

Did You Know?

  1. Apostlebirds got their name from usually being seen in groups of 12, reminiscent of the biblical apostles.
  2. They are one of only two species in the Corcoracidae family, both endemic to Australia.
  3. Apostlebirds can survive in arid environments by obtaining most of their water from their food.

References

  1. 1 2

    website: BirdLife International. 2016. Struthidea cinerea. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22705385A94015903.

    View source
  2. 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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