The avian diversity of Fiji is rich and varied, with species like the robust and agile Fiji Woodswallow (Artamus mentalis) representing a testament to the islands’ unique ecosystems. Found extensively across Fiji’s main islands of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, and the Lomaiviti group, this bird is distinguished by its dark upperparts, white underparts, and notable facial markings, often seen perched on wires. Its adaptability spans from tropical lowland forests and savannahs to urban environments like Suva and Nadi, where it forages primarily on insects such as moths, butterflies, and dragonflies.
Fun Fact 1: Recognizing themselves in a mirror.
Magpies are known for their intelligence and complex social behaviors. They are among the few non-mammal species capable of recognizing themselves in a mirror, a trait typically associated with higher cognitive abilities. Magpies are also famous for their fondness for shiny objects, which they sometimes collect and incorporate into their nests. Additionally, they are highly vocal birds, capable of a wide range of calls and known for their distinctive chattering and melodious songs, making them a charismatic and often appreciated presence in many cultures around the world.
Woodswallows, Bellmagpies & Allies in Fiji
Australian Magpie
The Australian Magpie was introduced in the 1880s to help control the Coconut Stick Insect, a pest that can damage coconut palms. Further introductions followed, including a larger effort in 1916, with birds distributed to plantations on several islands. Today, they are mainly established on Taveuni.
This large black-and-white bird has a strong pale bill with a dark tip, long black legs, and glossy plumage. Adults usually measure around 37 to 43 centimetres in length. Males and females look similar, though males typically have a whiter nape, while females may appear slightly greyish-white. Australian Magpies feed on a wide range of small animals found on or near the ground, including insects, worms, snails, spiders, beetles, moths, caterpillars, and other larvae. Listen to the Birdsong
Fiji Woodswallow
The Woodswallow is a small, agile bird found across most islands, though it is absent from Kadavu and the Lau Archipelago. It has dark upper feathers, white underparts, a dark chin, white cheeks, and a pale bluish bill with a dark tip. Often seen perched on wires, branches, or open lookouts, the Woodswallow is well adapted to forests, grasslands, villages, and urban areas. It feeds mainly on insects, catching moths, butterflies, dragonflies, and grasshoppers in flight. Listen to the Birdsong
- Bird Explorers. 2003. “Fiji Woodswallow (Artamus mentalis).” Photograph. iNaturalist. Created November 13, 2003. Accessed June 21, 2024.
- Christiaen, Peter. 2024. “Fiji Woodswallow (Artamus mentalis).” Photograph. iNaturalist. Created May 9, 2024. Accessed June 21, 2024.
- Del Hoyo, J. 2012. Fiji Woodswallow . Macaulay Library, 29 Aug. Available at: Link. [Accessed 19 Jun. 2024].
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- Harrison, JJ. 2010. “Australian Magpie (Cracticus tibicen hypoleuca).” Photograph. Wikipedia. Accessed June 21, 2024. Available at: Link
- Merlin contributors. Australian Magpie. Ebird. Available at: Link. [Accessed 21 Jun. 2024].
- Merlin contributors. Fiji Woodswallow. Ebird. Available at: Link. [Accessed 22 Jun. 2024].
- Wikipedia contributors. 2022. Fiji Woodswallow. Wikipedia, 19 Nov. Available at: Link. [Accessed 23 Jun. 2024].
- Wikipedia contributors. 2024. Australian Magpie. Wikipedia, 9 Jun. Available at: Link. [Accessed 24 Jun. 2024].