Backyard Buddies: Black & White Birds

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01 May 2011

Over the next few months, you're going to be seeing a lot more black and white birds as they migrate in search of warmer weather. They are some of the most common birds in the area, but do you know the difference between a Magpie and a Magpie Lark, or a Currawong and a Butcherbird?

This month, Backyard Buddies helps you identify common black and white birds. Backyard Buddies is a free program run by Australia's Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife. Each month you get a Backyard Buddies email (B-mail) about native animals you're likely to see in your backyard, along with tips to make your backyard safe and inviting for them.

Locals are lucky to share their backyards with a range of amazing black and white birds," says Ms Leonie Gale, CEO of the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife. "The eyes may be the windows to the soul, but eyes are also the key to identifying what bird you're looking at."

"If you see a black and white bird with bright yellow eyes, you've got a Grey Currawong on your hands. Currawongs are a common bird in Australia, and they make an amazing 'clang, clang' call like a gong being struck as they fly," said Ms Gale.

"Magpies are another common sight. You'll know one by its red-brown eyes, black body and the distinctive white patch on the back of its neck. These cheeky birds are infamous for swooping, but they only do this during August and September while they are looking after their chicks. The rest of the year, they are harmless and a delight to watch."

"This month ABC Science reported the discovery that Magpies can point - they use their body position, beak and eyes to alert other Magpies to danger. Magpies are the first species other than humans or chimps to communicate this way, which proves they have higher cognitive abilities than once thought," Ms Gale said.

"Approaching winter, you may be lucky enough to hear a group of magpies sing a short repetitive version of carolling just before dawn and after sundown. They only do this during winter and spring, so listen carefully and you may be lucky enough to enjoy the special performance!"

"Pied Butcherbirds, like Magpies, mimic the calls of other birds, as well as the sound of car alarms going off, mobile phones ringing and even dogs barking! You'll know a Pied Butcherbird by its dark brown-black eyes, and its distinctive black throat bib - but unlike the Magpie, the Pied Butcherbird's tummy is bright white," said Ms Gale.

"The Butcherbird is one of the best songbirds in the country, making musical, flute-like whistling notes. But it is a terror to smaller birds and insects. The Butcherbird gets its name from the way it feeds. When it catches something, it can't hold it down with its feet as a bigger bird would, so instead it hooks the food into a forked tree branch or onto a thorn. It then tears the food apart with its hooked beak."

"Native birds make "Location2" a more exciting place, and they're great buddies to us as they eat up mice, insects, lizards and snails from our gardens. It's great that we share our Australian suburbs with such interesting native birds that are fun to hear and watch." Ms Gale said.

Get a free factsheet to help you identify black and white birds and get Bmail at www.backyardbuddies.net.au.

What can you do to be a backyard buddy to native birds?

Keep mature trees in your backyard, streets and parks as birds nest and roost in them.
Plant locally native trees in your area to increase suitable habitats for birds.
Enjoy the antics of birds around your place - they can be quite entertaining!
Avoid feeding birds as they make a fine living using their natural hunting skills - if we feed them the wrong things they can become sick.
Mulch your garden-this will encourage lizards, and attract birds to have a great meal.
Put out a container of water for birds to drink, bathe or play in.
Keep your garden pesticide free, as birds could eat a poisoned insect, mouse, snail or lizard and become unwell.
Train your dog not to chase birds, and keep your cat indoors as much as possible.
Keep cats indoors at night so birds can sleep in safety.
Watch out for native birds when driving near bushy areas.

Other black and white birds:

Willie Wagtails - these small black birds have white tummies, long fanned tails they wag from side to side, black eyes and bright white and judgemental eyebrows. Rival males show aggression by expanding their eyebrows during a territorial dispute.
Magpie Larks or Peewees - smaller than a Magpie, this bird is predominantly black with white markings, and it has a white eye. It makes a 'Peewee, Peewee' call.
Ravens - big, all-black birds that clean up highways by feeding on carrion. They have white eyes and a beardlike tuft of feathers under the throat. They make a highly recognisable 'aarh, aarh, aaaaarhh' call.
Crows - similar to Ravens, crows are all black with white eyes. They make a prolonged 'nark, nark, nark' call. Unlike the Raven, they don't have a beard.

Visit www.facebook.com/backyardbuddies to share your photos of black and white birds and other native animals.

Backyard Buddies: Black & White Birds

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