| Australian Magpie | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific Classification | |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Artamidae |
| Genus | Gymnorhina |
| Species | G. tibicen |
| Conservation Status | |
 Least Concern | |
The Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicens) is a common species of black and white, medium sized bird that is found widespread across Australia. Australian Magpies can often be seen in groups and a harshly territorial, even attacking humans during the breeding season.
Description[]
The Australian Magpie is medium-sized, and has black and white plumage, however, the patterns this bird adorns varies between region and gender. Males have bright white feathers across the shoulders, nape and upper tail, whilst in females these areas are a darker shade of grey. The rest of their bodies is largely covered in black feathers, with the exception of those which live in southeastern parts of Australia (including Tasmania) which have white feathers covering the rump and back instead. They have chestnut brown eyes and a sharp, wedge-shaped beak. They are primarily carnivorous, feeding on insects and their larvae, they are however, known to take offerings as well as steal food from humans.
They like to live areas which house both trees and large open fields, they are very commonly seen nesting in parks and playing fields, which becomes a hazard during breeding season (around springtime in Australia) when they become relatively aggressive and can swoop humans who they deem threatening.
They make long flute-like calls, sometimes made in unison with other individuals. They are also known to mimic many other species of both native and introduced bird species, as well as mimicking the sounds made by dogs and horses. In some cases magpies have also learned how to mimic human speech when living in close proximity to humans.
References[]
https://australian.museum/learn/animals/birds/australian-magpie/