ARTAMIDAE FAMILY

The family Artamidae in Australia are commonly known as Woodswallows, Butcherbirds, Currawongs, and the Australian Magpie. There are two smaller subfamilies in this family. Artaminae are the Woodswallows.

The second subfamily, the Cracticinae, includes the Australian magpie, the Butcherbirds, and the Currawongs.

The Artamidae family is characterized by their sociable nature. Many species within this family exhibit cooperative breeding behaviours, where individuals other than the parents assist in raising the young. This remarkable trait showcases a communal approach to survival, which is somewhat unique among birds.

Diet-wise, these birds are predominantly carnivorous, with their diet primarily consisting of insects and other small animals. Their strong beaks are not only an asset for hunting and foraging but also play a crucial role in their interaction with the environment, such as when constructing nests or defending their territory.