Magpie Profile.

Magpie Profile.

Every morning at the crack of dawn this beautiful magpie decides that every living creature within hearing distance should be up and about and enjoying the day. This morning was no exception, despite the fact that it was Sunday and people like to have a sleep in on the weekends. He is usually on his own but is often accompanied by two or three others and as they perch on the balcony a few feet away from my bedroom, I cannot fail to hear them. I do not mind in the least as I am an early riser and look forward to their sweet songs. What a way to begin what turned out to be a Sublime and Beautiful Sunday.

Australian Magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) are native to Australia and New Guinea and are classified as medium sized black and white passerine birds. They are closely related to black butcherbirds but not to the European magpies.

They measure 37-43 cms in length and are characterized by their distinctive black and white feathers and their solid wedge-shaped bills which are bluish white and black in colour.
Males and females are similar in appearance, but the males have pure white feathers of the back of their heads whereas the female has a blend of white and grey feathers on the back of the head. Australian Magpies spend much of their time walking on the ground as opposed to waddling or hopping as other birds do.

These birds are accomplished song birds and are versatile with their range with some sounds proving to be quite complex covering up to four octaves. Magpies have even known to mimic over 35 species of native and introduced bird species as well as dogs and horses, including human speech when living in close proximity to people.

They are very territorial birds and have adapted well to human habitation although they can get very aggressive during the breeding season and are known to swoop and attack anyone they consider is too close to their nests.

Their diet consists of earthworms, millipedes, snails, spiders, and scorpions, and they also enjoy eating insects, cockroaches, ants beetles cicadas, moths and caterpillars. The Australian Magpie is the mascot of several Aussie sporting teams such the Collingwood Magpies, The Western Suburb Magpies and The Port Adelaide Magpies.

THANK YOU FOR VIEWING. HAVE A GREAT DAY.