The Australian Magpie is almost universally familiar and appreciated by Australians. Its sober black and white plumage belies the great vocalist that lies within. The carolling song of an Australian Magpie - often rendered by two or more birds in chorus, - is one of the iconic sounds of the Australian bush and suburbia. The Australian Magpies alternative common names - Flutebird, Organbird, Piper - confirm the quality of its song.
The Australian Magpie is not related to the Magpies of Europe and North America which are corvids. The only similarities are the black and white plumage and size.