Magpie-lark

Grallina cyanoleuca(Latham, 1801)

Also known asDil-bat

Least ConcernNative

Order: PASSERIFORMES
Family: Monarchidae
Genus: Grallina

Conservation: Least Concern
Commonness: Very common
Best seen: Year-round

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

The magpie-lark, also known as wee magpie, peewee, peewit, mudlark or Murray magpie, is a passerine bird native to Australia, Timor, and southern New Guinea. The male and female both have black and white plumage, though with different patterns. John Latham described the species in 1801. Long thought to be a member of the mudnest builder family Corcoracidae, it has been reclassified in the family Monarchidae. Two subspecies are recognized.

Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

01
Broad black chest band
A distinct black 'bib' creating a sharp division between the black upperparts and white belly. Present in both sexes.
02
Male: Black face, prominent white eyebrow
A broad white supercilium stands out prominently against the entirely black crown, face, and throat.
03
Female: All-white throat and face
Extensive white on the forehead, supercilium, lores, cheeks, and throat, contrasting sharply with the black crown.
04
Slender, pointed, off-white bill
Noticeably pale against the black and white plumage, the bill is relatively slender and straight.

Field specs

Length: 24–30 cm
Weight: 57–118 g
Wingspan: 39 cm

Measurements · avonet · CC BY 4.0

Field tips

behaviour

While walking, this bird performs a rhythmic tail-bobbing motion and is known for aggressively attacking its own reflection in mirrors and windows.

flight

Identify this bird in flight by its relatively slow, 'floppy' wing beats and conspicuously broad, rounded wings.

plumage

Males are distinguished by a black throat and white 'eyebrow,' while females have a white throat and a solid black face.

size_and_shape

Look for the combination of very long, slender black legs and a strikingly pale, ivory-colored bill that contrasts with its dark head.

voice

Listen for the rhythmic 'pee-wee' call, often performed as a synchronized duet where the pair alternates notes while simultaneously raising their wings.

02 · Where