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Black Butcherbird
Photo: Courtesy of Damon Ramsey
Black Butcherbird,
Cracticus quoyi
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The Black Butcherbird is an all black, rather
crow-like bird with a thick silvery bill with a black point.
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It is quite common in both the mangroves and
rainforest around the Daintree, and often seen around Coconut Beach resort and
Marrdja boardwalk, as well as urban areas, such as the Cairns botanical
gardens.
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It is one of the major predators in the
forest here, feeding on insects, lizards and even other birds such as
sunbirds.
- Butcherbirds are
predatory birds that feed on animals such as insects, lizards and snakes,
other small birds and small mammals, as well as scavenging
- Their common name
derives from their habit of taking these items of prey and impaling them on,
for example, a broken branch. The predatory habits are reflected in their
strong straight bill, with a sharp hook at the end.
Script: Courtesy of Damon Ramsey BSc.(Zool) Biologist Guide
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