Masked Woodswallow

About the Masked Woodswallow

Masked woodswallow (Artamus personatus) is a species of bird in the family Artamidae. A.personatus is a common, gregarious and highly nomadic species, appearing in large flocks usually with white-browed woodswallow (Artamus superciliosus). Among the few passerines that have powder down through their plumage. Listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List.

Ranging from 18–20 centimetres (7.1–7.9 in) in length with a wingspan of 32–34 centimetres (13–13 in), weighing approximately 37 grams (1.3 oz), the masked woodswallow is similar in size to the white-browed woodswallow. Sexes differ markedly in colour and also in immature plumage. This difference between sexes is unique only to the masked woodswallow and white-browed woodswallow. Adult males have a sharply defined black face mask with a pale edge. This mask covers the lores, ear coverts, chin and throat. Upperparts are dark blue grey with a prominent white tip on the tail. The underbody is pale grey, fading to greyish white on under tail coverts. Legs and feet are grey to grey black or black. Adult females are similar to adult males but slightly browner and mask is indistinct. Juveniles are... Wikipedia →