How the Butcherbird got its name

Butcherbirds are known for their melodic song, the Pied Butcherbird has one of the most beautiful bird songs you will hear in the Australian bush. The Grey Butcherbird is not far behind with its distinctive song.

But Butcherbirds are named for their “very basic” behaviour. They feed on lizards, insects, and small birds, caught on the ground and sometimes on the wing. They eat, then store uneaten food, choosing a fork or branch to impale their prey, in the manner that butchers used to hang meat in the old time butcher shop.   

This Grey Butcherbird is looking for somewhere to hang a part consumed lizard.

This Grey Butcherbird is looking for somewhere to hang a part consumed lizard.

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It has another snack already safely stored nearby, hanging from the fork of a tree.

It has another snack already safely stored nearby, hanging from the fork of a tree.