American woodswallow (SciiFii)

The American woodswallow (Artamus americanum) is a species of woodswallow that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, and scrublands across North America to help boost biodiversity. The American woodswallow's plumage is dark grey on the head and neck, with white underparts. The stout bill of an American woodswallow is pale-blue with a black tip. White breasted woodswallows can also be identified by their short, black tail and grey feet. Males and females are identical in appearance. Juvenile American woodswallows have a more brownish plumage around their head and mantle that is usually heavily striated. Juveniles have a buff tint on their chest and a brownish bill with a dark tip. American woodswallows can grow to a maximum known size of 18 centimeters and weigh between 35–45 grams. Despite having a bifurcated (divided) brush-tipped tongue, which is usually associated with nectar feeders, American woodswallows are insectivores primarily feeding on insects caught on the wings in flight or from a perch, and occasionally feeding on the nectar of flowers. Although they mostly feed on insects caught in flight, American woodswallows also tend to forage on the ground or in the tree canopy. Feeding can often be communal when the catch is too large for one bird. The American woodswallow has large, pointed wings and is very agile in powered and gliding flight. They are fast-flying and are one of few passerines that can soar. Even with their small statue, American Woodswallows prove to be aggressive birds whom are quite territorial with groups mobbing larger birds as a form of defense. Out of breeding season, American woodswallows are quite nomadic, chasing flying insects and roosting in large flocks. American woodswallows are generally seen in flocks of 10-50 birds, sometimes up to 100 to a flock. Flocks tend to cluster together in the evening to roost. American woodswallows are social bird, well known for their habit of huddling up together tightly in flocks, usually along a branch or powerline. This behaviour is done as means of maintaining heat and conserving energy. American woodswallows are partially migratory, with northern flocks moving south during Autumn and north in the spring. The breeding season for the Americam woodswallow varies throughout its range. In its northern ranges breeding usually occurs between March and May and in the southern ranges occurring between August and January, before and during the wet season. The female sexual display to invite copulation includes extending the wings over the back in a V, whilst trembling toward a male/s, then waggling the tail and quietly making an 'eep' call. American woodswallows are seen to be cooperative breeders, with birds other than parents assisting with care for offspring. Both sexes participate in building nests, incubating eggs and feeding young birds. The nest of an American woodswallow are shallow, bowl-shaped nests that are built from grass, twigs and roots and lined with fine grass. Nests are situated in tree forks or hollow stumps. American woodswallows are also known to recycle abandoned nests of other birds to use as their own. The normal clutch size is between 3 and 6 eggs. The eggs of American woodswallows are tapered oval-shaped and cream or brownish in color with darker brown speckles. After eggs are laid, they will be incubated for 15 days. The conservation status of the American woodswallow is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the American woodswallow's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.