Often seen perched in rows along overhead wires. Has adapted to use buildings, bridges and other man-made structures for its mud-nests. Pairs tend to return to the same nest year after year and the species is familiar on verandahs on farms, country homes and homesteads.

Engages in aerobatic flight, turning and wheeling to take flying insects with wide bristle-fringed bill. Dips low over pools or rivers, momentarily touching the water.

Occupies a wide range of habitats but avoids arid areas and heavy forest. Distributed through south-west Western Australia, southern South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales and south-east Queensland.

Common; usually sedentary but nomadic or migratory at times.

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