Australian Magpie (immature)

Description:

This is a young Magpie! "Juveniles have lighter greys and browns amidst the starker blacks and whites of their plumage; two- or three-year-old birds of both sexes closely resemble and are difficult to distinguish from adult females. Immature birds have dark brownish eyes until around two years of age." (Wiki)

Habitat:

Hanging around a small park along the highway at Wooroolin.

Notes:

Aaah...I have memories of one year in particular when a nesting Magpie would swoop as soon as we walked out the front gate! I also have many memories of listening to them sing. When they're not squarking their flute-like carolling falls like magic on the ears. I was so very lucky to grow up listening to their amazing songs. I just read this about youngsters playing: "Young birds display various forms of play behaviour, either by themselves or in groups, with older birds often initiating the proceedings with juveniles. These may involve picking up, manipulating or tugging at various objects such as sticks, rocks or bits of wire, and handing them to other birds. A bird may pick up a feather or leaf and flying off with it, with other birds pursuing and attempting to bring down the leader by latching onto its tail feathers. Birds may jump on each other and even engage in mock fighting. Play may even take place with other species such as blue-faced honeyeaters and Australasian pipits." (Wiki)