Bird Guide

Australian Magpie vs Pied Butcherbird

Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen)

Australian Magpie

Gymnorhina tibicen

Medium285 gWoodland

The adult magpie ranges from 37 to 43 cm (14.5 to 17 in) in length with a 65–85 cm (25.5–33.5 in) wingspan, and weighing 220–350 g (7.8–12.3 oz). Its robust wedge-shaped bill is bluish-white bordered with black, with a small hook at the tip. The black legs are long and strong. The plumage is pure glossy black and white; both sexes of all subspecies have black heads, wings and underparts with white shoulders. The tail has a black terminal band. The nape is white in the male and light greyish-white in the female.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Richard Fuller · CC0
Photo: Martin Hannan-Jones · CC BY 4.0
Pied Butcherbird (Cracticus nigrogularis)

Pied Butcherbird

Cracticus nigrogularis

Medium128 gWoodland

Like other butcherbirds, the pied butcherbird is stockily built with short legs and a relatively large head. It ranges from 28 to 32 cm (11 to 12.5 in) long, averaging around 31 cm (12 in), with a 51 cm (20 in) wingspan and a weight of around 120 g (4 oz). The wings are fairly long, extending to halfway along the tail when folded. Its plumage is almost wholly black and white, with very little difference between the sexes. It has a black head, nape, and throat, giving it the appearance of a black hood, which is bounded by a white neck collar, which is around 3.2 cm (1.2 in) wide. Voice: The pied butcherbird has been considered the most accomplished songbird in Australia, its song described as a "magic flute" by one writer, richer and clearer than the Australian magpie. Song melodies vary across the continent, and no single song is sung by the whole population. There is no clear demarcation between simple calls and elaborate songs: duets and even larger choirs are common.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Ruslan · CC0
Photo: Martin Hannan-Jones · CC BY 4.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Australian Magpie and Pied Butcherbird.