Ashy Woodswallow (Artamus fuscus) - 20250215-05
Please, no invitations to award/forced comment groups or to those with large/animated comment codes.
A chunky, large-headed bird of open areas, usually found perched on wires or flying around in search of insects. Soft gunmetal gray with white underparts. Often found pressed together in pairs or tight groups when at rest. Sometimes flies in the same areas as swallows and swifts, but has a much thicker build, with triangular, somewhat starling-like wings. The only woodswallow throughout most of its range. Song is a somewhat myna-like series of sweet warbling and harsh chattering. Also gives nasal scolding “nyeh”, comparable to a jay or treepie. (eBird)
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Frequently seen but not photographed. I finally found a pair on the power lines, then this one came a little closer and I could get a better look. The only angle I had was into the sun so he was pretty shadowed in the final image. A little editing brought out his subtle colours.
Despite the name and appearance, this bird is not a swallow. It is actually in the same family as the Australian Magpie!
Here's a link to our Thailand bird trip list: ebird.org/tripreport/328567
Animal Research and Nutrition Centre, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. February 2025.
Rockjumper Birding Tours.
Ashy Woodswallow (Artamus fuscus) - 20250215-05
Please, no invitations to award/forced comment groups or to those with large/animated comment codes.
A chunky, large-headed bird of open areas, usually found perched on wires or flying around in search of insects. Soft gunmetal gray with white underparts. Often found pressed together in pairs or tight groups when at rest. Sometimes flies in the same areas as swallows and swifts, but has a much thicker build, with triangular, somewhat starling-like wings. The only woodswallow throughout most of its range. Song is a somewhat myna-like series of sweet warbling and harsh chattering. Also gives nasal scolding “nyeh”, comparable to a jay or treepie. (eBird)
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Frequently seen but not photographed. I finally found a pair on the power lines, then this one came a little closer and I could get a better look. The only angle I had was into the sun so he was pretty shadowed in the final image. A little editing brought out his subtle colours.
Despite the name and appearance, this bird is not a swallow. It is actually in the same family as the Australian Magpie!
Here's a link to our Thailand bird trip list: ebird.org/tripreport/328567
Animal Research and Nutrition Centre, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. February 2025.
Rockjumper Birding Tours.