What does it look like: The Australian Magpie is black and white, but their plumage pattern varies. Males model a white nape, upper tail and shoulder. These are grey in females. Throughout the majority of Australia, the remainder of their body is black. The back and rump are white in the southeast, centre, extreme southwest and Tasmania. The eyes of adult birds are chestnut brown.
Habitat and Diet: Australian Magpies are common birds. They populate habitats with trees and adjacent open areas. They do not inhabit the densest forests or arid deserts. They walk along the ground, searching for insects and larvae. Australian Magpies are strongly territorial and will defend their territories from other magpies and potential predators. Some individual magpies perceive humans as a possible threat and swoop down with a fast-warning flight, occasionally making contact. Only a tiny minority of Australian Magpies behave like this.
STEM Fun Fact: An alternative name for the Australian Magpie is the Flute bird. This is because they produce a loud flute-like song often performed in groups. They can also mimic over 35 bird species and other animal calls, including those of dogs and horses. Magpies can also mimic human speech when living close to humans.
