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The Australian Magpie (Cracticus or Gymnorhina tibicen) is a medium-sized black and white
passerine bird native to Australia and southern New Guinea. A member of the
Artamidae, it is closely related to the butcherbirds. At one stage, the Australian
Magpie was considered to be three separate species, although zones of
hybridisation between forms reinforced the idea of a single species with several
subspecies, nine of which are now recognised. The adult Australian Magpie is a
fairly robust bird ranging from 37 to 43 cm (14.5–17 in) in length, with distinctive
black and white plumage, red eyes and a solid wedge-shaped bluish-white and
black bill. The male and female are similar in appearance, and can be
distinguished by differences in back markings. With its long legs, the Australian
Magpie walks rather than waddles or hops and spends much time on the ground.
This adaptation has led to some authorities maintaining it in its own genus
Gymnorhina. Described as one of Australia's most accomplished songbirds, the
Australian Magpie has an array of complex vocalisations.
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