APOSTLEBIRD

 Apostlebirds, also known as the Grey jumper are native to Australia. They are medium-sized birds with black or grey plumage.

Apostlebirds are highly social and often travel in groups of about 12; for this reason, they were named after the 12 Biblical apostles. Within these groups, there is typically a dominant breeding pair that is responsible for producing offspring. Other members of the group help with feeding and raising the young.

Apostlebirds are omnivorous and feed on a variety of food items, including insects, small invertebrates, seeds, fruits, and occasionally, small vertebrates like lizards and frogs. They forage on the ground, often in a coordinated manner, searching for food.

These birds are found in a range of habitats across eastern and southern Australia, including woodlands, open forests, and scrublands. They are well adapted to both arid and more temperate environments.

 Apostlebirds construct large mud  bowl-shaped nests made from sticks, twigs, reinforced and lined with grass. These nests are often placed in the branches of trees or shrubs. As mentioned earlier, multiple individuals within the group help care for the eggs and young.

Apostlebirds are known for their noisy and varied vocalizations, which include melodious calls and harsh screeches. They use these calls for communication within their social groups.

Apostlebirds are fascinating birds with intriguing social behaviors and a distinctive appearance. They are an example of cooperative breeding in avian species, where group members collaborate to raise offspring, making them an interesting subject of study for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts.