They have a beautiful rollicking call, similar to the Spiny–cheeked Honeyeater. Endemic to Australia, Butcherbirds occur in a range of habitats including arid, semi-arid and temperate zones, from forests to suburbia.

They prey on other birds, especially their young, small lizards and mice. Often they are caught eating dogfood and this should not be encouraged. Sometimes they will hang their prey on thorns or in a tree fork, to be eaten later. A member of the Magpie and Currawong family, they make an untidy nest of twigs, lined with grass, and lay three to five dull green eggs.

Size: 24 – 30cm

Photo and Illustration: Mark Trinham.