The magpie is a small light bird. It  isn't very tall either. The average Magpie grows from about 30-40 centimeters high. Some even grow to 50 centimeters high. They weigh from 1-2 kilograms. The common magpie is 30 centimeters tall. Currawong magpies are the biggest of them all 46 centimeter.

It lives throughout Australia, mostly around the bushy water areas they are always around parks. They live in lots of types of trees they like the gum trees the most. They make their nest from dead tree branches, small twigs and sticks. 

 Through the breeding season, they swoop anyone who comes close to their nest to protect their babies. Magpies have a very very  sharp beak. If you're not careful enough it can put a hole your head. When you're riding you your bike they swoop your helmet.  Breeding occurs from June to August. The female lays 3-5 eggs either light blue or green. Young magpies are duller and their feathers are more downy. As they grow older they get their  colour sort of darker.   

 This is what's in a magpies nest: Twigs and leaves. 

Magpies eat mostly worms, slugs and little insects. They feed their young exactly the same. Magpies can be seen scratching into the ground, looking for food. Such as spiders and worms.  Magpies hunt day and night. Magpies get into a lot of fights over food they start to scratch each other. Magpies aren't carnivores or herbivores. But they are more carnivores than herbivores. Magpies learn to find food for them selves when they are very young.

A  black small bird with white patches, that has a sharp pointy white and black beak to protect its babies and nest. Also to gather food. The magpie is a great thief. They fly into windows to steal jewellery for their nests to make them look nice and pretty. The magpie's loud musical flute like song called the warble, has earned it the alternative name of the flute bird.   

 There are lots of different types of magpies, white backs, black backs and Currawongs are just some of the examples of the different types. There are  no relationships in other countries except the magpie in Europe, the only thing in common is the colours.

The beak of the magpie's skull is mostly black. Some bones in the magpie are basically the same as human such as the rib cage. The bones of a magpie can sometimes be very weak and maybe cause pain to it.

                      PICTURE OF MAGPIE'S BONES

On the 5/9/01 a magpie flew into our classroom and started to fly around. It landed on lots of clipboards and pencil cases. Everyone was scared. It then flew into the grade next to us they opened the door and it flew out. Everyone clapped. 

1. What season do magpies swoop?                                

2. What do they try to protect when they swoop?   

3. What colour is their beak in the skeletal system? 

ANSWERS: 1. Spring 2. Their babies 3. Black 4. Currawongs 5.1-2 kg 6. Worms and slugs.

5. What is the maximum weight of a magpie?

6. What do they like to eat?