Not often seen but always heard at this time of year. This bird is a renowned vocalist having a melodious, almost human-like, whistling call. Not surprisingly it is also called the "whistling schoolboy". In this time of the year we are often woken up early in the mornings before day-break by this birds sweet whistling which is a joy to listen to. You can listen to its whistling call by
clicking here.
The bird has a blue-black plumage with the blue more prominent on the wings and forehead where there is a arrow-like blue marking. It is a solitary bird with a peculiar gait. Often seen in culverts and garbage dumps looking for grubs. Eats insects, snails, frogs and crustaceans. Clicked through the plate-glass window of the dining room.
