Young Aussie Magpie

6:24 am He/she was strolling along with a parent this morning, feeding on insects in the grass :-)

Magpies are one of Australia's most highly-regarded songbirds. They have a wide variety of calls, many of which are complex, and their pitch may vary over up to four octaves. The magpie can mimic over 35 species of native and introduced bird species, as well as other animal calls, such as those of dogs and horses. Magpies have also been noted to mimic human speech, when living in close proximity to humans.
environment.nsw.gov.au/animals/TheAustralianMagpie.htm

For most of the year magpies are fascinating and endearing native birds. However, during breeding, a small percentage of them can be aggressive, swooping at passers-by in their territory.

Magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) take their name from an unrelated pied (black and white) European crow. The Australian Magpie is essentially a butcher bird that feeds on the ground. Magpies are found throughout most of Australia and have been introduced to New Zealand.

Australian magpies live for about 20 years, most in territorial groups of between three and 24 birds (groups tend to be smaller in eastern Australia around two to 10 birds).
Burke's Backyard fact sheet.

Noosa Hinterland, Queensland.

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