5 Things you may or may not know about Apostlebirds

5 Things you may or may not know about Apostlebirds

1. Breeding pairs of Apostlebirds are assisted by a band of helpers at the nest, which incubate the eggs, feed the young (both in the nest and after fledging) and clean the nest, as well as mobbing predators.
2. Apostlebirds were given their name because they were considered to always be seen in groups of 12, like Christ’s apostles (although groups may number up to 30 or so).
3. Although most Apostlebirds build neat, smooth, bowl-like nests out of mud, some use Emu or cow poo when mud is unavailable.
4. Apostlebirds forage almost entirely on the ground, scratching the dirt and leaf litter with their bills in search of insects and seeds.
5. They often associate with White-winged Choughs, which also build mud nests and live in groups; and many of the harsh calls they make are similar, too.