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Cracticus tibicen
The Australian Magpie is a medium-sized black and white passerine bird native to Australia and southern New Guinea. A member of the Cracticidae, it is closely related to the Butcherbirds. The adult Australian Magpie is a fairly robust bird ranging from 37 to 43cms (14.5–17 in) in length, with distinctive black and white plumage, chestnut brown eyes and a solid wedge-shaped bluish-white and black bill.
Leafy suburban Sydney. These guys live around my Mum's house, and are in a Camillea bush having a singalong. Even though they're wild birds, they have no fear of the people they know.
This bird is an adult male and he was singing his heart out. One member of a group (called a tiding) of several bird, all from the same family. They've been nesting in this area for several years. Enjoy the video :-)
Spotted on Jul 30, 2013
Submitted on Aug 28, 2013
8 Comments
Beautiful Neil. Love the sound track as well. Yes, always a sound that tugs at the Aussie in us. There's an overlap of species/subs which gives rise to variations in pattern & colour in family groups too, & differences between males & females. Suppose they like to 'mix it up' a bit, keep us guessing! Seems same with many bird species.
Thanks, Daniele. I love their song too. Like the Kookaburra's laugh, the Magpie song is a uniquely Australian bush sound. It has always reminded me of home.
Oh I love the magpie song! Beautiful work Neil.
Wow, I had no idea there were so many sub-species. Live and learn... every day.
nice audio video btw - the sounds are different
Don't have to go to Tas.. we're feeding a small family of them here 8-/ Here's the sub-species map http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/co...
It certainly is, Mark. I only just recent discovered there's also a white-back variety as well, down in Tasmania so I believe. Do you have them in Melbourne too?
It's one of those northern 'black-backs'.