There are four types of Butcherbird in Australia: Grey Butcherbirds, Black Butcherbirds, Black-backed Butcherbirds, and Pied Butcherbirds. Grey Butcherbirds are common on Australia’s east coast, where I live. I’ve seen a Black Butcherbird when travelling in the far north of Australia. And now, travelling west of Sydney into the Outback, I spotted a Pied Butcherbird. Three out of four ain’t bad!

The white collar of this bird extends in a straight line, all the way round the back of the neck, whereas the Grey Butcherbird’s collar is narrower and doesn’t go all the way round.

Common name: Pied Butcherbird
Scientific name: Cracticus nigrogularis
Approximate length: 33-36 cm
Date spotted: 21 May 2024 (autumn)
Location: Mungo Lodge, Mungo National Park, New South Wales, Australia: 33°44’31.4″S 143°00’06.1″E