The Pied Butcherbird (Cracticus nigrogularis) is a medium-sized songbird native to Australia. It grows about 35 centimetres long and the colour of juvenile birds, which are accompanied by their parents, is brown and white as seen in the picture. As they mature their brown feathers are replaced by black feathers.

Juvenile Feeding

It is common in woodlands and in urban environments. Its diet consists mostly of small vertebrates and insects. They have been known to accept food from humans.

In the dance 'Birdsong' by Siobhan Davies, the main central solo was accompanied by the call of an Australian Pied Butcher bird and this same sound provided great inspiration to much of the dance, including the improvisational aspects.

Rush Creek, SE Queensland, Australia