Australian Magpie
Gymnorhina tibicen
Least ConcernAves · Passeriformes · Cracticidae
About
The Australian magpie is a black and white passerine bird native to Australia and southern New Guinea, and introduced to New Zealand, and the Fijian island of Taveuni. Although once considered to be three separate species, it is now considered to be one, with nine recognised subspecies. A member of the Artamidae, the Australian magpie is placed in its own genus Gymnorhina and is most closely related to the black butcherbird. It is not closely related to the Eurasian magpie, which is a corvid.
Fun Fact
The female is unusual in that it has a scalloped black or brownish-black mantle and back; the dark feathers there are edged with white.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found in the Trans-Fly region of southern New Guinea, between the Oriomo River and Muli Strait, and across most of Australia, bar the tip of Cape York, the Gibson and Great Sandy Deserts, and the southwest of Tasmania.
Diet
Eat the poisonous cane toad by flipping it over and consuming the underparts.
Lifespan
25 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance