Jacky-winter Jacky-winter

1. Dark tail with prominent white outer feathers

2. Persistent side-to-side tail-wagging when perched

3. Often seen on exposed low perches in open woodland

Jacky Winters are insectivores, hunting by sallying from a perch to snatch insects from the ground or in mid-air. They are active throughout the day, with peak vocal activity at dawn and dusk. Breeding occurs mainly from September to November, though it can extend from August to January depending on location. The female builds a tiny, cup-shaped nest from grass and bark strips, bound with spider webs, usually placed on a horizontal fork of a dead branch. Clutch size is almost always 2 eggs. Only the female incubates the eggs, while both parents feed the chicks, which remain in the nest for about 15–17 days before fledging.

Jacky Winters are widespread throughout mainland Australia and also occur in Papua New Guinea. They inhabit open eucalyptus woodlands, mallee, grasslands, and farmland with scattered trees and bare ground. Look for them perched on stumps, posts, or low branches, especially in areas with remt native vegetation or along woodland edges. They are usually seen singly or in pairs but may gather in small groups during winter.