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Likely Pied Currawong (also known as the Clinking Currawong); identification is tentative from a single feather.
Likely a secondary flight feather or large wing covert; exact position cannot be established from this view.

Likely Pied Currawong (also known as the Clinking Currawong); identification is tentative from a single feather.

Kingdom Animalia; Phylum Chordata; Class Aves; Order Passeriformes; Family Artamidae; Genus Strepera; Species Strepera graculina (probable).

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Family: Artamidae (currawongs, butcherbirds, and woodswallows).

Shape
Long and narrow, with a tapered, dark tip and a strongly contrasting pale inner vane; slightly asymmetric, as expected for a wing feather.
Size
No scale is present, so dimensions cannot be estimated reliably; it appears roughly hand-length and consistent with a medium-large passerine.
Learn more about Likely Pied Currawong (also known as the Clinking Currawong); identification is tentative from a single feather. in the encyclopedia →

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Description

This striking black-and-white feather likely belongs to a Pied Currawong, a large, robust Australian songbird with yellow eyes and a strong, melodious, sometimes bell-like call. The bird frequents wooded landscapes and towns and often forages on the ground or in trees.

Colour & Pattern

Predominantly pale gray-white with black at the tip and base/outer edge. This bold pattern fits Pied Currawong, but is not diagnostic by itself; surface-side differences are unclear.

Barb Structure

The vanes appear closely knitted and pennaceous, with no obvious fraying; fine barbule details are not resolved.

Rachis & Barb Pattern

A slender, pale rachis extends into a long bare-looking calamus; pale barbs form the broad central vane, bordered by dark regions.

Texture & Surface

Smooth, flat, and apparently intact, with a softly reflective pale vane and darker, likely more pigmented areas.

Feather Placement

Probably from the wing, based on its elongated form and contrasting dark-and-white vane pattern.

Key Features

The long pale vane contrasting with a dark tip and dark outer margin is suggestive of Pied Currawong, but similar patterns occur in other Australian birds; a photograph alone cannot confirm species.

Habitat

Pied Currawongs use forests, woodland, farmland, parks, and suburban areas, including coastal and urban settings.

Geographic Range

Eastern Australia, from Queensland through New South Wales and Victoria to southeastern South Australia; largely resident, with local movements.

Ecological Role

Currawongs are omnivores and predators of insects and small animals, while also eating fruit and seeds. They are adaptable and common across much of their range, though local impacts on smaller wildlife can be a concern.

Similar Species

Australian Magpie feathers can also show black-and-white contrast, but magpie wing feathers often have different white patches and proportions. Other currawong species require locality and feather position for separation.

Interesting Facts

Pied Currawongs are versatile omnivores and may gather in noisy groups outside the breeding season. Their calls carry over long distances and are a familiar sound in many eastern Australian towns.

Cultural Significance

No species-specific traditional or historical use can be inferred from the feather. In Australia, possession or trade in native bird feathers may be regulated; check local wildlife laws and avoid collecting protected feathers without authorization.

Field Identification Tips

Record the find location and photograph both sides beside a ruler; compare with verified regional feather guides, since wing position and pattern are essential for confident identification.

Condition Notes

Appears clean and largely intact, with no obvious breakage or heavy wear; condition grade: good.

Likely Pied Currawong (also known as the Clinking Currawong); identification is tentative from a single feather. | Feather Identifier