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| Apostlebird, Peterborough, South Australia |
Apostlebirds are usually seen in small family groups, numbering from four or five through to more than a dozen. They get their name from the thought long ago that they always lived together in groups of 12 - as in the Twelve Apostles of the Bible.
In the eastern parts of Australia, especially in New South Wales, I see them frequently as we drive along on our way to Sydney to visit family. Here in South Australia, however, they are far from common. I know of only about six or so locations where they can be seen. Peterborough in the mid north of the state is one of the more reliable places to observe this species in South Australia.
In and around the town, which has a population of about 1600, I have over recent years, seen small flocks in about six locations. These sightings have all been in the streets or parks of the town. All of these sightings are possibly of the same group, though I would not be surprised if there were several groups in the township and nearby. I know of two other small groups some 20 kilometres to the north east, near the former village of Dawson.
Over recent years there have been an increasing number of reports of this species in the mid north region of the state. It is thought that the species could well be thriving and growing in numbers in South Australia. Interestingly, I know of another population in the town of Taplan near Loxton, some 300km to the south east. This location is where I grew up in the 1950s. This species was not present on the farm when I grew up. Interesting.
Further reading:
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| Apostlebird, Peterborough, South Australia |
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| Apostlebird, Peterborough, South Australia |
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