Good morning 
On our lovely sunny bike ride the other day Tahlia and I came across a pair of young Magpies that still had young plumage. Australian magpies are often born grey and develop their colours over a few weeks.
The Australian Magpie is not related to the Eurasian Magpie and is in a league of it's own. It is Australia's most accomplished birds and one of prestige. It's vocals are complex and they have a large range of calls and songs. Another famous bird whose song is often used in films and adaptations that feature Australia.
The Australian magpie grows to a maximum of 45cms and it's distinctive display of black and white plumage makes identification relatively easy. The Australian Magpie has longer legs than most birds and can walk rather than hope or waddle.
Magpies are extremely territorial and around breeding periods (Spring - Autumn) male magpies are know to attack humans and other animals who approach their nests. Magpies target eyes in an attempt to blind their threat. There are annual warnings in Australia around breading times for Magpies.
Magpies are also extremely smart and able to recognise and make friends with humans and animals. If a magpie befriends you it will return and sing to you and is less likely to attack you also providing protection against other threats.
The Australian Magpie can mimic upto 35 different animals including human voices although it is often heard as incoherent chatter.
The Australian Rules Football Club Collingwood has the Australian Magpie as their mascot and are known as the magpies.
Here is a YouTube video I found of the Australian Magpie song.
