There are 23 species of birds in the Artamidae family. They are found in Australia, New Guinea, the Indo-Pacific islands, and parts of southern Asia. This family is divided into two main groups, called subfamilies.

The Artaminae are the woodswallows (Artamus species). These birds are usually gray, brown, black, or white. They have long, pointed wings and strong bills. Woodswallows catch insects while flying and, unlike most songbirds, they can soar for long periods without flapping their wings.

The Cracticinae include the Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen), butcherbirds, peltops, and currawongs. Most are black-and-white, gray-and-white, or black-and-gray. They are known for their loud, beautiful songs and are skilled hunters that eat insects, small animals, and fruit. They live in forests, woodlands, and open habitats.