Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen)
Australian Magpie. Photo: Richard Major © Australian Museum.
Lived: 1.6 million years ago (Pleistocene) to the present
Size: Wingspan: 80cm
Description: The Australian Magpie is a familiar bird throughout all states of Australia. It was named by English settlers after the Magpie of Europe because both birds are black and white, although they are not closely related.
The Australian Magpie prefers open forests and woodlands with nearby clearings, where it looks for insects, worms and other small animals to eat.
Fossils: Fossils of the Australian Magpie have been found in several Australian states, including at the Naracoorte World Heritage fossil deposits in South Australia, and in Victorian fossil deposits.
Did you know?: The Australian Magpie is one of Australia's best-known birds, noted for its intelligence and melodious voice. It is also infamous for attacking people who stray into its territory during breeding season.
