This is another of my favourite friends. Again, she is sitting on our clothesline, waiting for her handout. This is the adult female. The make is more solid grey across the back and wings, making him look very dapper, as though he is wearing a morning suit. Juveniles have a lot more brown on them. The hook on the end of the beak denotes a meat-eater. The name butcher bird comes from the habit of hanging their food in a tree until it's needed, Very careful and somewhat timid birds, they use their intelligence and speed to outwit larger competitors for available food. They have a clear, pure and very melodious repertuar of song, which is really beautiful to listen to. This family has been coming to our back yard for about 8 years.