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Australian Magpie
(Gymnorhina tibicen)


Appearance
The Australian magpie is one of the most common and well-known birds in South Australia. Its height is 34-44 cm. The adult male has a black head and the underparts on the belly are also black. Its abdomen and back are white. The adult female has a light grey back. 

Habitat
Magpies are found in open country with trees, all over Australia. They are also found on farms and in the suburbs.

Food
Magpies eat mainly insects, but will also eat small animals such as lizards. 

 
 





 

 Voice
The Australian magpie has a lovely song.

Nests
The magpie normally builds a bowl-shaped nest of sticks and twigs.

Behaviour
The magpie sometimes attacks people if they go near their nests during the nesting season. It is a fast and direct flyer and will swoop down to get food or protect its young.

by Pierre W. and Kean Yang K.


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 Bird illustration scanned with permission of
Judi Francis
Nature Art and Design
P.O. Box 602
BLACKWOOD SA 5051

 
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