Animal Species:Australian Magpie The Australian Magpie has one
of the world's most complex bird songs. The Australian Magpie is
black and white, but the plumage pattern varies across its
range. Its nape, upper tail and shoulder are white in males,
grey in females. Across most of Australia, the remainder of the
body is black. In the south-east, centre, extreme south-west and
Tasmania, the back and rump are entirely white. The eye of adult
birds is chestnut brown. 36 cm to 44 cm Pied Butcherbird,
Magpie-lark Australian Magpies are common and conspicuous birds.
Groups of up to 24 birds live year round in territories that are
actively defended by all group members. The group depends on
this territory for its feeding, roosting and nesting
requirements. Australian Magpies are found wherever there is a
combination of trees and adjacent open areas, including parks
and playing fields. They are absent only from the densest
forests and arid deserts. Feeding and Diet The Australian Magpie
walks along the ground searching