Black Butcherbird 
Photo: Courtesy of Damon Ramsey
Black Butcherbird, Cracticus quoyi The Black Butcherbird is an all black, rather crow-like bird with a thick silvery bill with a black point. 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. 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 |
