Australian magpie juvenile plumage

Australian magpies have other common names including Piping Roller, Flute-bird and Piping Crow-shrike.

Come rain or shine, the juvenile magpies keep me entertained with their high jinks, clowning and antics. They seem to get a particular kick out of running around in the rain. I love these birds!

Juveniles have grey speckled plumage on their napes and backs, and may also have a rusty-brown shade of colouring. They also have dark beaks which gradually fade away within a year.

40 cm length

comments (10)

Patomarazul

Lion

Beautiful and probably very smart! Posted 5 years ago

Christine Young

Lion

Lovely photo! I was curious and looked them up on youtube - there are so many videos of them playing with dogs, lol. Posted 5 years ago
1. Ruth Spigelman
  
  Lion
  
  Christine, I've even had them hanging upside down from the washing on the line. They are fond of large towels and by holding on to the ends, can get quite a good swing going! Yes, I've seen that type of footage as well, proper little playmates. Posted 5 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    I saw a video of one hanging upside down from a wash line and thought it had gotten stuck! How funny that they do this for fun! Posted 5 years ago, modified 5 years ago
  2. 1. Christine Young
      
      Lion
      
      Posted 5 years ago
    2. 1. Ruth Spigelman
        
        Lion
        
        Just 'hanging around', brilliant. They really make my day. It's only the juvies that get up to these pranks, I've never seen any adults behave this way. And can I add here that in all my 22 years in Australia, I've never experienced any defensive/aggressive behaviour from these birds, that you see so often reported - even during nesting season. But I am always quiet, respectful of distance and earn trust over many weeks. I can fully understand why the male birds go after cyclists and noisy people, they are clearly frightened and wanting to protect their nests/babies. Posted 5 years ago
      2. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        I agree, Ruth - your respectful attitude doesn't threaten the birds. If only all humans treated wildlife like this. Posted 5 years ago

Christine Young

Lion

Ruth, have you read about this?
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/sneaky-magpies-outwit-scientists-by-removing-tracking-devices-180979634/#:~:text=When%20researchers%20placed%20small%20GPS,dismantle%20and%20remove%20their%20trackers. Posted 3 years ago
1. Ruth Spigelman
  
  Lion
  
  Yes I have thank you Christine, last week. Intriguing. Posted 3 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    They are so intelligent! Posted 3 years ago

The Australian magpie

The Australian magpie is a medium-sized black and white passerine bird native to Australia and southern New Guinea. Although once considered to be three separate species, it is now considered to be one, with nine recognised subspecies.

Info 36 1

Similar species: Perching Birds

Species identified by Ruth Spigelman