Quick answer
White-breasted Woodswallow at a glance
The White-breasted Woodswallow (Artamus leucorhynchos) is a bird in the family Artamidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Java. Diet: eats flying insects caught in the air (insectivore); a carnivore.
| Scientific name | Artamus leucorhynchos |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Kekep babi |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Artamidae |
| Observation records | Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Java |
| Taxonomic group | Passeriformes |
| GBIF records | 10,286 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — eats flying insects caught in the air (insectivore) · BirdLife Australia — Birds in Backyards |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt |
In this guide (12)
What is the White-breasted Woodswallow?
White-breasted Woodswallow refers to Artamus leucorhynchos, in the genus Artamus, family Artamidae, and order Passeriformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the White-breasted Woodswallow?
The accepted scientific name is Artamus leucorynchus (used by BirdLife Australia and eBird); GBIF uses the variant spelling leucorhynchos. Its white chest contrasts with a dark-grey head.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
How many Indonesian records name the White-breasted Woodswallow?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 10,286 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Java. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the White-breasted Woodswallow?
Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare White-breasted Woodswallow with Javan Munia, Olive-backed Tailorbird, Brown-throated Sunbird. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Scientific classification of the White-breasted Woodswallow
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Artamidae |
| Genus | Artamus |
| Species | Artamus leucorhynchos |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the White-breasted Woodswallow
What is the scientific name of the White-breasted Woodswallow?
The scientific name of the White-breasted Woodswallow is Artamus leucorhynchos, in the family Artamidae and the order Passeriformes. In Indonesian it is called Kekep babi.
What kind of animal is the White-breasted Woodswallow?
The White-breasted Woodswallow is a bird in the family Artamidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a eats flying insects caught in the air (insectivore).
Where does the White-breasted Woodswallow live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the White-breasted Woodswallow summarised in this guide mainly come from Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Java. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the White-breasted Woodswallow eat?
The White-breasted Woodswallow is a eats flying insects caught in the air (insectivore). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: BirdLife Australia — Birds in Backyards.
How does the White-breasted Woodswallow reproduce?
The White-breasted Woodswallow reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Vigie-Nature École (MNHN).
Is the White-breasted Woodswallow nocturnal?
The cited source records the White-breasted Woodswallow as diurnal (active by day). Source: EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the White-breasted Woodswallow?
Scientific classification of the White-breasted Woodswallow: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Passeriformes, family Artamidae, genus Artamus, species Artamus leucorhynchos.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- BirdLife Australia — White-breasted Woodswallow ↗
- BirdLife Australia — Birds in Backyards ↗
- Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) ↗
- EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. White-breasted Woodswallow (Artamus leucorhynchos). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/artamus-leucorhynchos/