Australian Magpie

Description:

The Australian magpie is a black and white passerine bird native to Australia and southern New Guinea. Although once considered three separate species, it is now considered one, with nine recognised subspecies.

Habitat:

This bird was 'resting' in my yard and with its partner, has a semi-permanent nest high up in a beech-fir tree 200 meters from my home in a park area.

Notes:

Magpie breed in September and are known for swoop attacks on almost anything living and/or moving within 50-100 meters of their eggs/babies. Nests are usually 10-15 meters from the ground. The current family of 7 birds believe my home and close neighbours are their territories, although they don't attack me at breeding or any other time as they realise I am a 'friend'. I have seen them sprawled on hot sand like they are dead, but on closer inspection, both of us were startled enough to 'squark' and jump away.