Artamidae

Artamidae is a family of birds commonly known as woodswallows and butcherbirds. This family is endemic to Australasia and includes 15 species distributed across six genera. The most widely recognized members are the woodswallows, which are small to medium-sized birds often seen perching on high branches or in flight. Butcherbirds are larger, more robust birds with hooked beaks, adapted for their predatory lifestyle.

The common name "woodswallow" derives from their habit of roosting and sometimes feeding in flocks. They are aerial insectivores, often catching insects on the wing. Their plumage is typically subdued, ranging from shades of brown and grey to black, with some species exhibiting white markings.

Butcherbirds, on the other hand, are named for their practice of "hawking," where they impale their prey on thorns or sharp branches to tear it into manageable pieces. Their diet consists mainly of insects, small reptiles, and occasionally other small birds.

Species within Artamidae exhibit variations in social behavior. Some woodswallows are highly gregarious, forming large flocks, while butcherbirds are generally more solitary or found in pairs. Breeding behaviors also vary, with some species engaging in cooperative breeding. The family's distribution spans Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding islands, with some species having wider ranges than others.