This black and white bird is an Australian icon. The sound of the Australian Magpie is one of the most poetic, with its varying pitch and rhythm as well as the variations in volume. Its singing can often be heard echoing throughout the Blue Mountains.

The magpies are also intelligent and are extremely territorial. They often attack other magpies entering their territory in small groups and can sometimes seriously injure the trespasser. They build nests high up in the trees. Both parents share responsibilities in raising their young. It is normal for young birds to spend a few days on the ground before they can fly while their parents supervise and protect them. During the breeding season, magpies become very protective of their nests and often attack any creatures approaching their nests including humans.

Magpies are intelligent birds and they have been seen to store away their food for safe keeping by hiding the food behind shrubs or other covering such as rocks and logs. When it is safe, the food will be retrieved.

Left: A Magpie listening for bugs in the corner of a garden Right: A Magpie with a fresh catch of a Huntsman Spider

Magpies are omnivores, so they feed on seeds as well as insects, worms and other smaller creatures such as reptiles. They have excellent hearing and will usually hunt by listening to their prey moving about in the ground or grass.

The male of the species has glossy black and white plumage whereas the female has a lighter grey on the back of the neck. There are several different races common in Australia.