Fiji Woodswallow Artamus mentalis Scientific name definitions

17 cm; 33–48 g. Head to chin, upperparts  and wing are black, except for white rump and uppertail-coverts; tail black with white tip  ; underparts white, extending up over lower throat onto central ear-coverts; iris dark brown; bill pale blue-grey, tip black; legs  grey. Differs from White-breasted Woodswallow (Artamus leucorynchus) in having white (not black) lower throat and central ear-coverts, separated irregularly (not evenly) from black colour of head. Sexes alike. Juvenile is similar to adult, but with paler feather edgings above.

Sometimes treated as conspecific with Artamus leucorynchus, but differs in plumage and voice. Monotypic.

W & N Fiji Is: Yasawa Group, Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Gau and Kadavu (at least formerly also Koro, Yasayamoala and N Lau Group (1 Watling, D. (2001). A Guide to the Birds of Fiji and Western Polynesia Including American Samoa, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Wallis-Futuna. Environment Consultants (Fiji), Suva, Fiji. Close ) ).

Insectivorous . Impressive aerial forager, with fast pursuit-flight. Seizes prey in aerial sally launched from conspicuous perch; occasionally pounces on items near ground; will also make sweeps over flowering plants, and snap at insects. Smaller items swallowed whole; large prey taken back to perch and dismembered before being consumed.