Magpie-lark

The Magpie-lark is a familiar black-and-white songbird found across most of Australia, often near water or on open ground in farmland, parks, and wetland edges. Despite its common name, it is not closely related to true magpies or larks, but is easily recognized by its bold, contrasting plumage pattern, which differs between the sexes.

Body plumage is boldly patterned in black and white, with the exact arrangement of black and white on the face and throat differing by sex. Males show a black crown, throat, and eye-stripe with a white eyebrow and forehead, while females have a white face and throat lacking the male's black markings. Wings and tail show contrasting black-and-white panels, most visible in flight. The bill is straight and pointed rather than hooked. This species' sex-based facial pattern difference, combined with overall smaller size compared to true magpies, is a reliable feature for separating individual feathers or field observations between the sexes and from other black-and-white Australian birds.

This species shows clear sexual dimorphism in facial and throat pattern, with males showing more black on the face and throat and females showing more white. Juveniles resemble females initially, with pattern differences becoming clearer as birds mature. Molt is regular and does not produce major seasonal plumage changes.

Magpie-larks occupy open woodland, farmland, parks, and areas near wetlands, rivers, or other water sources across most of Australia. The species is generally sedentary, defending a territory year-round, though some local movement can occur in drier regions following rainfall or water availability.

This species feeds on invertebrates and other small prey, often foraging by walking on open ground, including damp mud near water, a habit reflected in one of its common names. It builds a distinctive mud-lined bowl nest attached to a horizontal branch. Its call includes a loud, sharp, often duetted series of notes given by paired birds. Magpie-larks are frequently seen in pairs defending territory, sometimes reacting strongly to reflections or intruders.