Australian Magpie

Scientific Name: Gymnorhina tibicen
Wadarurrung Name: parrwang

Description: The Australian Magpie is black and white. The nape, upper tail and shoulder are white in males but grey in females. It is famous for its pleasant carolling song and infamous for its tendency to swoop people during its breeding season.

The Magpie must be one of our best-known birds. The local sub-species has a white back with the males having a bright white back and the females having darker speckling across the back. The nest is constructed in a tall tree and is made from sticks and often contains objects such as pieces of wire, plastic, or coat hangers.

They feed mainly on invertebrates, especially insects, and vertebrates, including frogs, lizards, small birds and mammals, also carrion and human food scraps.

Type: Bird
Where to find: Wherever there is a combination of trees and adjacent open areas.
Size: 43cm